Health Careers
Published on Health Careers (https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk)

Home > Explore roles > Compare roles

Compare roles in health

Not sure where to start with the hundreds of NHS careers? Use our compare roles section to get bite-size information on the entry requirements and training, pay and conditions, prospects and skills needed of up to three roles. If there is something that you think you could do, then get more in-depth information on the role.

Don't forget, you can also save your role comparisons by registering with us.  

  • Pharmacy assistant [1]

    Pharmacy assistants help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians order, prepare and dispense medicines.  

    There are no set entry requirements to become pharmacy assistant. Employers usually expect good literacy, numeracy and IT skills. They may ask for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. You will be given the training you need to be a member of the pharmacy team. This includes health and safety, use of IT systems, manufacturing medicines and dispensing prescriptions. A level 2 apprenticeship for pharmacy service assistants is available.
    Pharmacy assistants working in the NHS will work standard hours of around 37.5 a week which may include shifts. They usually start in the NHS at band 2 or 3 of the Agenda for Change pay scale. Terms and conditions outside of the NHS will vary depending on the employer.
    Excellent communication, customer service, IT and manual skills are all needed. You'll also need to be accurate and methodical, able to read and carry out instructions, be interested in people’s health and able to explain clearly to members of the public.
    You may be offered the chance to study for qualifications such as a NVQ level 2 in pharmacy service skills or BTEC level 2 in pharmaceutical science. With experience, you could become a team leader or supervisor, overseeing the work of other assistants. Some experienced pharmacy assistants apply to train as a pharmacy technician.

    Related roles

    • Pharmacy technician [2]
    • Pharmacist [3]
    • Call handler/emergency medical dispatcher [4]
    • Dietetic assistant [5]
  • There are no comparisons currently being made. Please add a new role by selecting one in the above select box and clicking 'Add'.


    Source URL:https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/compare-roles-health?field_field_role=308

    Links
    [1] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/pharmacy/roles-pharmacy/pharmacy-assistant [2] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/pharmacy/roles-pharmacy/pharmacy-technician [3] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/pharmacy/roles-pharmacy/pharmacist [4] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/ambulance-service-team/roles-ambulance-service/emergency-medical-dispatchercall-handler [5] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-support-worker/roles-healthcare-support-worker/dietetic-assistant