Bobaas beroepe
Listen what pharmacists’ assistants do
Article on pharmacists’assistants
In addition to the shortage of pharmacists, there is also a specific shortage of trained pharmacists’ assistance, which is also classified as a scarce skill.
According to the government, more than 10 000 trained pharmacists’ assistants are currently needed. Pharmacists’ assistants are responsible for dispensing medication under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist. However, not all pharmacists’ assistants have the same job description and the responsibilities can be divided into different categories, depending on the type of sector in which the assistants work. So, after qualifying, pharmacists’ can find themselves in any of the following positions: general pharmacists’ assistant, private sector pharmacists’ assistant, community sector pharmacists’ assistant and industrial pharmacists’ assistant.
People who are interested in qualifying in this field must register with the South African Pharmacy Council for training. There are no registration requirements apart from a matric certificate. Mathematics and physical science are, however, recommended school subjects.
The training of pharmacists’ assistants comprises a basic and post-basic course with a practical and theoretical component. The course stretches over two years. There are several training institutions accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council to offer the course, including:
· University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus)
· S Buys Training and Development Academy
· Pharmacy Healthcare Academy
· Health Science Academy
· Comficor Professional Development
After completing the course, candidates can write their final exam at the South African Pharmacy Council and register to follow a career as a pharmacists’ assistant. Please note that the pharmacists’ assistant qualification is currently undergoing some changes.
Thought for the week:
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
This week’s quote to ponder:
“Work as if you were to live a hundred years. Pray as if you were to die tomorrow.” – Benjamin Franklin
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