Dispensary Assistant: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Dispensary Assistant
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Practice Now »What is a Dispensary Assistant?
As a dispensary assistant in the UK, you'll work alongside pharmacists to help prepare and distribute medications to patients in hospitals or community pharmacies. Your role will include assembling prescriptions, managing inventory, and ensuring accurate delivery of drugs to those in need.
Skills
- Knowledge of pharmaceuticals and medical terminology
- Attention to detail and accuracy in dispensing medications
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Proficiency in computer systems and software used in pharmacy operations
- Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in pharmacy practice
- Ability to work collaboratively with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals
- Knowledge of inventory management and ordering processes
- Ability to handle confidential patient information with discretion
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing work demands and priorities
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of GCSEs/S grades or equivalent
- Combination of practical experience and study at a college or by open learning towards vocational qualifications
- NVQ/SVQ in Pharmacy Services at Level 3 to register as a pharmacy technician with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
A pharmacy assistant can help fill prescriptions, manage inventory, maintain records, answer phone calls, and provide customer service under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
A dispensary assistant in the UK helps with the receiving and giving of prescriptions, as well as stock control, ordering, and re-stocking of the dispensary.
To be a dispensary assistant in the UK, you need to complete a GPhC-recognised qualification or a GPhC-accredited training programme.
To be a pharmacy assistant, you need customer service skills, patience, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, the ability to work well with others, attention to detail, excellent verbal communication skills, the ability to accept criticism, work well under pressure, and enjoy working with other people.
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