7114- PHARMACY AND OTHER DISPENSING ASSISTANTS

Job Title: 

PHARMACY AND OTHER DISPENSING ASSISTANTS

Alternate Titles: 

Dispenser,Health care assistant (retail chemist),Optical assistant,Pharmacy assistant

Job Description: 

Pharmacy and other dispensing assistants work under the supervision of pharmacists or other relevant health professionals to dispense drugs and medicines, issue pre-packaged prescriptions, sell over-the-counter medication, dispense spectacles and contact lenses and other related products.

Education: 

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by study towards vocational qualifications. NVQs/ SVQs are available in relevant areas and at various levels, and apprenticeships may be available.
Refer The S/NVQ framework for more details

NS-SEC: 

The simplified NS-SEC analytic class for this code is 6
The simplified NS-SEC operational category for this code is 12.1
Refer The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification for more details

Tasks: 


  • checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patients? or customers? details;
  • maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued;
  • checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately;
  • arranges displays of merchandise;
  • relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist or other health professional;
  • carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods.
International Careers(ISCO): 
Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
Source Of Info: 

Office of National Statistics UK