Pharmacy Aid or Pharmacy Assistant

Job Summary:
Aids review prescriptions or requests for refills that they receive from patients. To fill prescriptions, they count, pour, measure, or mix the medication. Then they select a container, and prepare and attach a label. They price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to a patient. Pharmacy Aids may set up and maintain patient profiles. These are files that give a patient's medication history and are often stored on a computer. Aids also fill out insurance claim forms. In addition, they take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They enter this information into the computer so it can be reviewed and supplies ordered. They also stock incoming supplies. Some Aids clean and maintain pharmacy equipment. Some ring up sales on the cash register. In hospitals, Aids have more responsibilities. They read patient charts, and prepare and deliver the medicine to patients. Then they copy the information into the patient's profile. Aids may also put together a 24-hour supply of medicine for patients. They package and label each dose separately. They also make up intravenous (IV) packs for patients. A pharmacist must check medications before they are delivered.

Qualification:
Some Pharmacy Aids complete a formal training program. Pharmacy technician programs last one to two years. Two-year programs grant an associate's degree in Pharmacy Technician. One-year programs grant a certificate. During training you study medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy recordkeeping. You also learn medication names, doses, and uses.

Salary Range:
Nationally, the median wage for Pharmacy Aids is $1,800 per month ($10.40 per hour). Half of all Pharmacy Aids earn between $1,480 and $2,220 per month ($8.52 and $12.82 per hour).

Wages vary by shift, employer, and the technician's level of training. Aids may receive higher wages for working evenings or weekends. Certified Aids may earn more.

Prospects:
Advancement for Pharmacy Aids is limited. However, some Aids enroll in pharmacy school and become pharmacists.