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Pharmacy Assistant Degrees

Working under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy assistants prepare, manage, and administer medicine to patients. They also perform clerical duties and track prescriptions at the pharmacy or hospital. This is an excellent position for you to advance to a career as a pharmacist or to gain a job in the pharmaceutical industry.

Although no particular educational requirements are mandated for pharmacy assistants, you will improve your chances of being hired by attaining a certificate or degree in pharmacy assisting. Many schools have certificate programs that deal with specific aspects of a pharmacy assistant's job. Certificates are available in the sterile preparation of medical products, the compounding of medicines, and medical administration. Associate's degrees and diploma programs are available for those who wish to get a broader overview of a pharmacy assistant's responsibilities. Classes will familiarize you with the medical terminology specific to the field as well as give you practice in the preparation and management of medicines. In addition, a complete program will give you coursework in administrative duties and current health care topics including dealing with the insurance industry.

The job prospects for pharmacy assistants look good for the coming decade with expected job seekers roughly matching the number of new jobs becoming available. Salaries for part-time and full-time assistants average between $12 and $14 an hour depending on whether you find employment in the public or private sector according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pharmacy assistants are employed in local pharmacies and drugstores, supermarkets, and hospitals.

Online Schools Offering Pharmacy Assistant Degrees


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