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A Pharmacy Assistant performs a range of duties at a pharmacy. You might help customers with enquiries and advice and process retail sales. Pharmacy Assistants also receive prescriptions and consult with pharmacists when required. You may also monitor stock levels and create promotional displays.
Pharmacy Assistants should be organised and able to prioritise their tasks. Good customer service skills are essential and you’ll need to be a good communicator. Pharmacy Assistants should have a strong understanding of pharmacy laws and a good knowledge of pharmaceutical products.
There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Pharmacy Assistant. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
A Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is for students needing the practical skills to work in a pharmacy as a retail assistant. Students graduate knowing how to assist customers with a range of products: skin and anti-fungal; cough and cold relief; analgesic and anti-inflammatory; gastro-intestinal conditions; allergy relief; as well as support the on-site pharmacist. The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package..
Average duration: 12 months.
Become a qualified pharmacy technician with the HLT47121 Certificate IV in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support. This nationally recognised qualification will help you get a job in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and community pharmacy organisations. Even better, you can specialise in compounding, clinical support, or leadership. You will learn how to: pack pharmaceutical products, dispense prescriptions and medication orders, order and control pharmaceutical stocks, assist patients with prescription and medication usage, apply biological principles to a pharmacy environment, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, specialisation electives (and their availability), and enrolment openings in your region..
A Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 is for students wanting careers as Pharmacy Assistants. This qualification focuses heavily on the retail skills required to work in a pharmacy but also teaches students about the laws and Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for supplying scheduled medicines. Note: to complete this qualification students must complete 40-80 hours work placement at a pharmacy. The Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package..
The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (Front of House) provides students with the skills to work effectively in a pharmacy’s customer service area. This course covers assisting customers, product knowledge, managing retail operations, and handling transactions. It also focuses on health and safety practices, inventory management, and understanding pharmacy regulations. Ideal for those seeking a career in community pharmacy, it prepares individuals for roles that require customer interaction, product advice, and general support in a pharmacy setting. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates. .
The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (Dispensary) equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in a pharmacy environment, focusing on the dispensary. This course covers customer service, stock control, and assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. Students will also learn about pharmacy-specific legislation and managing prescriptions. Ideal for those pursuing a career in community pharmacy, it offers hands-on experience and prepares participants for roles as pharmacy assistants or dispensary technicians./p> Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates. .
In Australia, a full time Pharmacy Assistant generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has seen a drop in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 37,900 people working as a Pharmacy Assistant in Australia compared to 42,400 five years ago. Pharmacy Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate II in Community Pharmacy is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Pharmacy Assistant. You’ll cover topics including legislation and guidelines for supplying scheduled medicines as well as retail sales. You could also consider a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy.
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Here are some potential career pathways within pharmacy. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Pharmacy Sales Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Clinical Pharmacist
$1,250 weekly pay
Clinical Research Coordinator
Community Pharmacist
Dispensary Technician
Medical Chemist
Oncology Pharmacist
$1,680 weekly pay
Pharmacist
$1,730 weekly pay
Consultant Pharmacist
$1,500 weekly pay
Medicinal Chemist
$2,140 weekly pay
Pharmaceutical Engineer
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
$1,958 weekly pay
Pharmaceutical Scientist
Pharmacy Manager
$1,980 weekly pay
Learn more about Pharmacy Assistant courses in your area.