Pharmacy Assistant

Pharmacy assistants help pharmacists with the day-to-day needs of running a pharmacy

NOC Code: 3414

Job Duties

Pharmacy assistants help pharmacists with the day-to-day needs of running a pharmacy. You may work for retail, hospital or clinic pharmacies.

Generally, pharmacy assistants:

  • Give general assistance with daily pharmacy activities.
  • Take prescriptions from clients in person and over the phone.
  • Measure and mix drugs according to prescriptions.
  • Package, label and dispense medications.
  • Check inventory and restock drugs and other items.
  • Check for expired medications and discard it properly.
  • Help customers find what they need or send them to the pharmacist for more help.
  • Use a cash register.
  • Write letters and memos, prepare receipts and invoices, and file orders.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

This job requires: High School

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobLevel of Education Required
Pharmacy AssistantHigh School
Medical Research AssociatePost-Graduate
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations AssociateCollege or University
Technical Sales SpecialistCollege or University

Experience

This job requires 0 - 2 years of work experience.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobYears of Work Experience Required
Pharmacy Assistant0 - 2
Medical Research Associate2 - 5
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations Associate2 - 5
Technical Sales Specialist2 - 5

Source: HRSDC

Essential Skills

As a pharmacy assistant, you need to:

  • Speak, write and read English.
  • Understand pharmaceutical terminology.
  • Have strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Be very accurate in your work as it’s often a matter of client safety.
  • Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email software.
  • Work well with other people and on your own.

Source: Ontario Skills Passport

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person and on the phone with customers and co-workers.

Labour Market Information

Trends

The demand for workers in this field could rise in order to meet the health care needs of a growing and aging population in Ontario. Professionals in this field with a college diploma or courses related to health services should have better employment prospects.

Prospects

The work prospects for this job are: GOOD

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobWork Prospects
Pharmacy AssistantGood
Medical Research AssociateFair
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations AssociateNo Data
Technical Sales SpecialistFair

Wages

The average hourly wage for this job is: C$17/hour.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobAverage Wage/Hour
Pharmacy Assistant$17.00
Medical Research Associate$33.00
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations Associate$0.00
Technical Sales Specialist$25.00

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT) and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT).

Work Experience Programs

Some college programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

Helpful Links

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.