Pharmacy Support Staff: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Pharmacy Support Staff
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Practice Now »What is a Pharmacy Support Staff?
Pharmacy Support Staff are essential team members in pharmacies who work alongside pharmacists, helping with various tasks such as preparing and dispensing medications to patients. This role is great for someone interested in the healthcare field, as you'll gain hands-on experience with medicines and contribute to patient care within your community.
Skills
- Knowledge of pharmaceuticals and medical terminology
- Attention to detail and accuracy in dispensing medications
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals
- Proficiency in computer systems and software used in pharmacy operations
- Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in pharmacy practice
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing work demands
- Customer service skills for assisting patients with medication-related inquiries
- Basic math skills for calculating dosages and medication quantities
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
With experience and a recognised qualification, a pharmacy assistant in the UK can progress to become a senior pharmacy assistant, supervisor or manager. Further training can lead to becoming a pharmacy technician.
The role of support staff in the pharmacy includes assisting with the dispensing and supply of medicines or medical devices, providing advice on the use of medicines and medical devices, and supporting pharmacy professionals in providing services to individuals.
There are no set entry requirements to become a pharmacy assistant in the UK, but most employers will expect good literacy, numeracy, and IT skills. Experience in a customer service role would be an advantage.
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