What Does a Pharmacist Assistant Do?

A pharmacist assistant does administrative work and customer service at a pharmacy, including cashiering, answering questions about over-the-counter item prices and availability, stocking shelves and answering phones. Because the pay is low and many stores combine the position with that of a pharmacy technician, some pharmacist assistants acquire further education at a vocational college to become technicians.

Cashiering

Pharmacist assistants retrieve prescriptions for customers, and ring up the total along with any other products the person is buying.

Behind-the-Counter Products

The assistants obtain signatures from people who are purchasing items regulated by state law or which the pharmacy manager prefers to track, such as syringes or medications containing epinephrine.

Record Keeping

Maintaining patient records and insurance information is also part of the pharmacist assistant's job, along with tracking inventory of prescription medications and other products.

Hospitals

In hospital pharmacies, the assistants deliver prescription items within the facility and pick up new medication orders.

Considerations

Pharmacist assistants often are required to work weekends and evenings. They must be personable and have excellent communication skills.