Do I need a qualification to work as a pharmacy assistant?

Many pharmacies take on assistants without one and ask you to complete a Level 2 course, such as a Pharmacy Services Assistant qualification, after you start.

What is the difference between a pharmacy assistant and a pharmacy technician?

Technicians complete a higher qualification and register with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and they take on more tasks. Assistants support the team with dispensing, counter and stock tasks.

Can I apply with only retail experience?

Yes. Counter experience, care with stock and confidentiality all carry over. Show accuracy and a friendly manner, and say you are happy to train.

Pharmacy assistant CV example

A strong pharmacy assistant CV shows accuracy, care with medicines and a friendly manner at the counter. It should describe the dispensary tasks you help with, any pharmacy qualification such as a Level 2 pharmacy services assistant course, and how you know when to pass a question to the pharmacist.

Holly Barnes

Pharmacy assistant

holly@example.com07700 900126Birmingham

Profile

Accurate and friendly pharmacy assistant with experience in both the dispensary and the medicines counter of a busy community pharmacy. Careful with labels, stock and repeat prescriptions, and quick to pass clinical questions to the pharmacist. Holds a Level 2 qualification in pharmacy services.

Experience

Pharmacy Assistant

a busy community pharmacy

Picked and labelled items for around 150 prescriptions a day, leaving each one for the pharmacist to check

Served customers at the medicines counter and followed the pharmacist's guidance on which products could be sold

Checked expiry dates, rotated stock and placed weekly orders with wholesalers

Handled repeat prescription requests and phoned surgeries when items were missing

Kept patient information private and followed the pharmacy's confidentiality procedures

Sales Assistant

a health and beauty shop

Advised customers on vitamins, skincare and first aid products

Operated the tills and handled cash accurately

Kept shelves filled, priced and in date

Learned product ranges quickly and suggested alternatives when items were sold out

Completed training on handling sensitive customer questions with discretion

Example · fictional candidate · Horizon design · Use this design

Tips for a pharmacy assistant CV

Show accuracy with examples such as labelling, stock counts or date checks, because errors matter in a pharmacy
List your qualification, such as a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant or Medicines Counter Assistant course, or say that you are working towards it
Make clear that you work under the pharmacist's supervision and know when to refer a question
Mention delivery rounds, repeat prescription systems and the patient medication record software you use
Include confidentiality and data protection training
Show patience with older or vulnerable customers who may need extra time

Applying with a cover letter? See our pharmacy assistant cover letter example.