Pharmacy Assistant Trainee: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Pharmacy Assistant Trainee
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Practice Now »What is a Pharmacy Assistant Trainee?
As a Pharmacy Assistant Trainee in the UK, you'll work alongside pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, learning how to dispense medications, manage prescriptions and recommend over-the-counter medicine to customers. This role offers a great opportunity to start your career in the pharmaceutical field and gain hands-on experience in assisting with patient care.
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Basic math skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Ability to follow instructions
- Customer service skills
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to multitask
- Time management skills
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of GCSEs/S grades
- On-the-job training
- Study towards vocational qualifications
- Availability of NVQs/SVQs in relevant areas and at various levels
- Availability of apprenticeships
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot become a pharmacist from a pharmacy assistant without completing the required 4-year full-time MPharm degree and a foundation training year in a paid work placement.
Yes, with experience and a recognised qualification, you can progress from a pharmacy assistant to become a senior pharmacy assistant, supervisor or manager. With further training, you could also become a pharmacy technician.
A pharmacy assistant trainee in the UK works with patients to help with their prescriptions, answers their questions in person or over the phone, and ensures that the pharmacy has necessary stock by ordering and receiving deliveries.
To be a trainee pharmacist in the UK, you need a master's degree from a School of Pharmacy accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council that is suitable for registration as a trainee pharmacist on completion of the Foundation Training Year.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Pharmacy Assistant Trainee mock interview, under 10 minutes
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