How to Become an Assistant Pharmacist

Becoming an assistant pharmacist can be a great career choice for people who want to work in the fast-growing healthcare industry. Assistant pharmacists work alongside pharmacists to take care of customers and perform administrative tasks.  Begin your career as an assistant pharmacist by completing a training program, writing a professional resume and applying to jobs in your area.

1. Sign up for a pharmacist assistant training program.  Community colleges and vocational schools offer affordable training programs and flexible class schedules. While most states do not require pharmacy assistants to get formal training, employers prefer to hire candidates who have certification or previous experience in the field.  Completing a training program will make you a more desirable job candidate, and provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this position.


2. Create a professional resume.  Before you can begin applying to jobs, you need to design a resume that lists your skills, past experience and other qualifications.  List all your previous work experience including jobs that had nothing to do with being an assistant pharmacist.  Include qualities that make you a perfect candidate for an assistant pharmacist position such as communication skills, administrative experience and the ability to multi-task. 


3. Apply to jobs at pharmacies in your area.   If some of your local pharmacies aren’t hiring at the time you are looking for work, ask them to keep your resume on file in case a position opens up in the future.  The healthcare industry is a rapidly growing field, and many employers will need to hire new people to keep up in the future.  In addition to applying for jobs at local pharmacies, browse through job listings online and in newspapers.


4. Do your best on job interviews.  Even if you do not have formal training, show that you know what the position entails and are ready for intensive on-the-job training.  Share your passion for helping people, and your desire to succeed in the healthcare industry.  Because assistant pharmacists are not required to have a college education, it’s very important to use your resume and personality to set yourself apart from other candidates.