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Are you organized, good with computers, and interested in a career that requires education? If so, you might want to consider becoming a pharmacy assistant. Pharmacy assistants play a crucial role in supporting pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in various tasks such as compounding, packaging, and labeling pharmaceutical products. They also maintain prescription records and manage medication inventories.

Skills and Responsibilities of Pharmacy Assistants

To be successful in this profession, pharmacy assistants should possess traits like composure in handling emergencies, a caring attitude towards others, good communication skills, mental alertness, manual dexterity, and attention to detail. They should also enjoy working with clear rules and organized methods, compiling information, and using computers.

Salary, Demand, and Certification

The average salary for pharmacy assistants varies depending on the location, and there is a demand for approximately 8,400 assistants per province each year. Although certification is not regulated, acquiring relevant certifications can be beneficial for career advancement.

Work Environment and Duties

Pharmacy assistants work under the supervision of pharmacists or pharmacy technicians. Their specific duties and responsibilities may differ based on their training level and work environment. Generally, they are responsible for maintaining proper drug storage and security, entering patient information and prescriptions into computer systems, assisting with the preparation and labeling of prescription medications, and managing prescription and inventory record-keeping systems.

In community pharmacies, pharmacy assistants may also have additional tasks such as answering telephones, accepting payment for prescriptions, pricing stock, and preparing insurance claims. In hospital settings, their responsibilities could involve restocking drugs and solutions on nursing wards, organizing drug kits for emergencies, and filling dose carts for nursing stations.

Work Schedule and NOC Categories

Pharmacy assistants may have to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This profession falls under the 2006 NOC category 'Pharmacy Assistants (3414.4)', 2006 NOC-S category 'Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services (D313)', 2011 NOC category 'Other assisting occupations in support of health services (3414)', and 2016 NOC category 'Other assisting occupations in support of health services (3414)’.

If you are interested in a challenging career that combines organization, computer skills, and precision, becoming a pharmacy assistant may be a great fit for you.