Retail

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• a trainee position
• applying directly

College

You could do a college course to get some of the skills you'll need as a pharmacy assistant.

You could do a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Retail Skills.

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could do a Pharmacy Services Assistant or Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs|https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate

Work

You might be able to get a trainee pharmacy assistant job in a pharmacy.

You could work and do a part time qualification like the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff.

Direct application

You can apply directly for pharmacy assistant roles

You might need:

• experience of customer service
• good reading, number and IT skills
• GCSEs or equivalent

More information

Further information

You can find out more about working as a pharmacy assistant from Health Careers.

With experience and a recognised qualification, you could become a senior pharmacy assistant, supervisor or manager.

With further training, you could become a pharmacy technician.