Pharmacy assistant

Pharmacy assistants serve customers and patients in community pharmacies and hospital dispensaries. They help with non-prescription items, stock and medicine orders, following instructions from pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

These are approximate UK figures for guidance only, not guaranteed salaries. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Source: National Careers Service, checked November 2026 (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/pharmacy-assistant).

1. Build English, maths, IT and customer service skills
2. Apply for a trainee job or Level 2 apprenticeship
3. Complete workplace training and relevant qualifications
4. Develop experience as a pharmacy assistant

You don't usually need a degree. A college course in retail skills can help you apply for trainee roles; entry requirements vary. The National Careers Service lists the Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, plus Level 2 retail apprenticeships. Intermediate apprenticeships usually ask for some GCSEs, including English and maths, or equivalent. You can also start as a retail assistant in a pharmacy and study part time, for example for the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff. Customer service experience, reading, number and IT skills all help if you apply directly.

Routes vary. Always check entry requirements with course providers, employers and the relevant professional body.

Not usually required

Main routes in: GCSE, Apprenticeship, Other routes.

• English
• Maths
• Computing

• Customer service
• Attention to detail
• Clear communication
• Teamwork
• Administration
• Numeracy
• Patience
• Computer skills

• Community pharmacy
• Hospitals
• Health centres

A typical day could involve serving customers, checking they understand dosage instructions, labelling items and putting orders together. You might answer calls from GP surgeries, enter medicine information on a computer or deliver medicines to wards. Work can be in a shop, health centre or hospital, and you may wear a uniform. The National Careers Service lists 36 to 40 hours a week, with evening, weekend and bank holiday shifts possible.

With experience and a recognised qualification, you could become a senior pharmacy assistant, supervisor or manager. Further training can lead to work as a pharmacy technician.