Trade for prosperity

Here we look at the work of a dispensing assistant as well as how to become a dispensing assistant

“A dispensing assistant, also known as a pharmacy assistant, is an important member of the pharmacy team. Dispensing assistants work on the front line of health care supporting patients in a range of community settings”

Pharmacists are supported by a team of trained staff working under their direct supervision. They can include pharmacy technicians, accredited checking technicians and dispensing assistants.

A dispensing assistant, also known as a pharmacy assistant, is an important member of the pharmacy team. Dispensing assistants work on the front line of health care supporting patients in a range of community settings.

 

They work under the supervision of a pharmacist and help the pharmacist and pharmacy technician.

 

What does a dispensing assistant do?

 

Dispensing assistants are often the first point of contact for patients. They play an essential role in:

 

  • receiving prescriptions
  • assembling prescribed items
  • assisting in the issuing of prescribed items
  • ordering, receiving and maintaining medicine stock
  • listening and providing advice to patients
  • efficient running of the dispensary

 

How do I become a dispensing assistant?

 

Dispensing assistants work under the guidance of a pharmacist.

 

  • Training to become a dispensing assistant is vocational and you will need to be employed by a community pharmacy either full time or part time.
  • The entry requirements vary by employer but applicants usually require GCSEs or equivalent.
  • While employed, you will need to take the relevant modules of the Level 2 certificate in pharmacy service skills. This qualification must be recognised or accredited by the General Pharmaceutical council.

 

Pharmacists are supported by a team of trained staff working under their direct supervision.  They can include:

 

  • Pharmacy technicians – skilled members of the pharmacy team who prepare, dispense and supply and issue a range of medicines to patients.
  • Accredited checking technicians, who are specially trained to undertake accuracy checks of medicines
  • Dispensing assistants, who support the pharmacist in the management of dispensary stock.
  • Medicines counter assistants, who provide a range of functions to support the rest of the team.

 

 

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