Contact Us About Us
UK Career Advice

Trainee Dispensing Assistant: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Trainee Dispensing Assistant?

As a Trainee Dispensing Assistant in the UK, you will gain hands-on experience and learn to support pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications in hospitals or community pharmacies. This role provides an excellent opportunity for you to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of pharmacy, which can lead to a successful career as a Pharmacy Technician.

How do I become a Trainee Dispensing Assistant?

As a Trainee Dispensing Assistant in the UK, you will gain hands-on experience and learn to support pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications in hospitals or community pharmacies. This role provides an excellent opportunity for you to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of pharmacy, which can lead to a successful career as a Pharmacy Technician.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Trainee Dispensing Assistant?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Trainee Dispensing Assistant

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Good 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 work under pressure
  • Time management skills

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

Trainee Dispensing Assistant
Dispensing Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacist
Pharmacy Manager
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Clinical Pharmacist
Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Manager
Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Manager
Pharmaceutical Operations Director
Dispensing Assistant
Senior Dispensing Assistant
Dispensary Supervisor/Manager
Dispensing Assistant
Medicine Counter Assistant/Technician

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need qualifications to be a dispensing assistant?

Yes, to meet minimum training requirements, a dispensing assistant in the UK needs to take the relevant modules of the Level 2 certificate in pharmacy service skills.

What does a pharmacy assistant trainee do?

A trainee dispensing assistant in a pharmacy in the UK helps patients with their prescriptions, answers their questions, orders and receives stock, and loads and unloads deliveries.

What qualifications do you need to be a dispenser?

To be a dispenser in the UK, you need to hold an NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Service Skills.

Next: Interview Questions »