Pharmacy Assistant Studies: Prescription for a High Demand Career

When looking for entry-level pharmacy jobs, the positions of pharmacy aide and pharmacy technician are often confused. Pharmacy aid and pharmacy technician careers are similar in that both:

• Assist pharmacists
• Find about 75% of available jobs are in retail outlets
• Work odd hours that sometimes include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Realize the best job opportunities after completing pharmacy assistant or technician programs

However, the differences in their level of responsibilities are substantial. Pharmaceutical assistants handle clerical duties in a pharmacy, such as answering phones, stocking shelves, interacting with customers, and operating cash registers. Pharmacy technicians have more direct responsibility for medications, such as: receiving prescription requests; counting, weighing, and measuring medications, and preparing and affixing medication labels. Pharmacy assistant or technician studies generally require six months to two years to complete. Pharmacy assistant or technician degrees usually lead to an associate of science. Pharmacy assistant and technician programs are offered at hospitals, community colleges, vocational schools, and through the military. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians offer certification to pharmacy technicians with clean criminal records free of drug or medication related offenses.Read More [+]