What does this job look like at AHS?

Pharmacy assistants play a key role in providing patients with quality healthcare services. They work closely with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to ensure high-quality medications are prepared for patients

There are a wide variety of tasks pharmacy assistants may perform, depending on the site and patient needs. One of the most common activities is packaging medications using automated and manual methods. Automated packaging machines package oral solid medications for patients and nursing unit stock. Manual repackaging can include breaking down other dosage forms, such as oral liquids or topical ointments and creams from bulk containers into single dose/single patient use containers. Pharmacy assistants also pick medications for patient refill cycles, ensure wardstock replenishment on nursing units and deliver medications throughout the facility.

Pharmacy assistants are also responsible for receiving pharmaceutical and supply orders that are delivered from external vendors, ensuring that all orders were shipped correctly by verifying correct quantities and quality. They help maintain pharmacy and nursing unit stock inventory levels, including rotation of stock, performing physical counts, investigating discrepancies and managing expired and/or recalled medications. In addition, pharmacy assistants at many sites also prepare products for shipping to other sites and patients.

Pharmacy assistants may work on a full-time, part-time or casual basis. They can apply for positions that are permanent, temporary or casual depending on department and facility needs. Shift schedules may include a combination of day, evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts.

Pharmacy assistants may find themselves doing some lifting and pushing in their work and might sit or stand for long periods of time. As well, the job typically requires the performance of some repetitive tasks and motions. When handling medications, including hazardous products, pharmacy assistants must use caution to avoid causing harm to themselves and others.

Although post-secondary education is not mandatory for pharmacy assistants, select colleges across the province offer Pharmacy Assistant Certificate programs and courses. This education may help prepare you for a pharmacy assistant role.

To learn more visit Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS).

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