If you’re currently working as a Pharmacy Assistant and feel like you’re ready for a challenge, you’re not alone. 

Many Pharmacy Assistants aspire to move into managerial positions but aren’t sure how to make that leap. With the right guidance and opportunities, you can take the next step towards a rewarding career as a Pharmacy Manager.

The good news? Your career in the pharmacy industry can progress much faster than you think; it’s all about the right opportunities and training.

The pharmacy assistant role can often serve as the first stepping stone to management positions in community pharmacies. This journey is more accessible than ever, thanks to permanent roles that offer growth opportunities, a supportive environment, and long-term job security. 

The Growing Demand for Pharmacy Managers in Community Pharmacies

The pharmacy sector is constantly evolving, with the demand for skilled professionals continuing to rise. As the healthcare industry becomes increasingly complex, community pharmacies need qualified, experienced individuals to manage operations, lead teams, and ensure smooth service delivery.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Make a Career Jumps

• Increased healthcare demand: With more people requiring medications and healthcare advice, community pharmacies are busier than ever. 
• Role diversity: From overseeing dispensary operations to managing customer service, pharmacy managers handle a broad range of responsibilities. 
• Career growth: Managing a pharmacy offers you leadership opportunities, higher pay, and the ability to make significant impacts on the community’s health. 

If you’re currently in a pharmacy assistant job, you already possess valuable skills like patient care, drug knowledge, and customer interaction. These skills make you an ideal candidate for management roles with the right training and experience.

Pharmacy Assistant Jobs: Your Gateway to Leadership

Most people start their careers as pharmacy assistants, learning the ins and outs of the industry. This role is often seen as entry-level, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a solid foundation for further advancement in your pharmacy career.

Skills You Gain as a Pharmacy Assistant

As a pharmacy assistant, you build essential skills that will help you thrive in management roles:

• Customer service: Learning to communicate effectively with patients 
• Medication knowledge: Understanding prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs 
• Inventory management: Helping ensure that stock is organised and available 
• Teamwork: Collaborating with pharmacists and other staff members 

These are just a few of the skills you will develop that are highly valued when you’re ready to move into a managerial position. 

But how do you make the leap from assistant to manager?

Training and Education: Key Steps Toward Becoming a Pharmacy Manager

While your experience as a pharmacy assistant is invaluable, there are additional steps you can take to qualify for pharmacy manager roles. 

Here’s how you can expand your qualifications:

1. Pursue Further Education

Consider enrolling in formal education programs such as short courses at TAFE in Business Administration:

• Pharmacy Technician course
• Short courses in leadership and team management
• Pharmacy Assistant Certification (S2/S3 training) 

These qualifications provide you with the necessary skills and credibility to manage a pharmacy.

2. Gain Management Experience

Seek opportunities to lead small teams, manage shifts, or oversee specific aspects of the pharmacy’s operation. Gaining management experience in your current role is crucial before stepping into a full managerial position.

Permanent Roles vs. Locum Work: What’s Right for You?

Many professionals begin their careers in pharmacy assistant jobs with the goal of transitioning to a full-time pharmacy manager position. 

However, there are other options along the way, such as locum roles. 

But how do you know whether permanent or locum work is the best path for you?

Benefits of Permanent Roles:

• Job security: Permanent roles offer a stable income and long-term career prospects. 
• Clear career progression: With a permanent role, you can more easily map out a future trajectory, including promotions and leadership positions. 
• Employee benefits: Permanent employees often receive health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

Locum Work: Flexible but Temporary

Locum work offers flexibility and varied experiences, but it may lack the stability and long-term growth opportunities of a permanent role.

• Ideal for gaining diverse experience across different pharmacy settings 
• Offers flexible hours to suit personal schedules and commitments 
• A great way to build a broad network and professional skills early in your career 

How LocumCo Helps You Secure Permanent Pharmacy Jobs

Whether you’re transitioning from a pharmacy assistant role or aiming for your next permanent position, LocumCo is here to connect you with the right employers. 

With over 39 years of experience in pharmacy recruitment, we specialise in placing community pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and pharmacy managers in top roles across Australia.

How LocumCo’s Services Help You Grow:

• Permanent placement recruitment: We match you with employers looking for long-term staff, ensuring career stability and growth. 
• Pharmacy assistant locums: Gain flexibility and diverse experience by working in different settings. Use this opportunity to develop new skills like weekend work, customer service, and problem-solving. 
• Seeking more responsibility?: Ask for opportunities like taking on assistant manager roles, handling additional tasks, or stepping into leadership positions to advance your career. 
• Customised job alerts: Set up alerts for roles that align with your skills, career goals, and aspirations. 
• Interactive job board: Search and apply for jobs that match your qualifications and experience, helping you build the career path you desire.

Explore available pharmacy assistant jobs with LocumCo+ ™ and find the perfect fit for your skills.

The Path to Becoming a Pharmacy Manager

Now that you understand the opportunities available, let’s walk through the typical career path for a pharmacy assistant aiming for a management position:

1. Start with a Pharmacy Assistant Job

Gain foundational knowledge and experience by working as a pharmacy assistant. This is where you’ll develop your skills in medication handling, customer care, and pharmacy operations.

2. Seek Leadership Opportunities

Take on small leadership roles within your current pharmacy by supervising shifts or managing a small team. Identify the skills you need to develop, such as delegation, communication, and decision-making, and create a plan to build those skills. Gaining practical management experience is key to advancing in your career and preparing for larger leadership roles.

3. Pursue Education in Pharmacy Management

Once you feel ready, pursue courses that will further equip you with managerial skills, such as financial management, staffing, and basic business courses or online learning.

4. Apply for Pharmacy Manager Positions

With the right experience and qualifications, you’re ready to apply for permanent pharmacy manager roles. Start looking at advertised positions to understand the skills and qualifications employers are seeking. 

This will help you develop the experience and expertise needed to step into these roles, which come with greater responsibilities and increased rewards.

The Advantages of Working in Community Pharmacies

Working in community pharmacies offers several unique benefits:

• Direct patient impact: You’ll interact with patients daily and have the opportunity to make a real difference in their health. 
• Leadership roles: Community pharmacies often have fewer layers of management, giving you greater opportunities to step into leadership roles quickly. 
• Job satisfaction: Many pharmacists and pharmacy assistants report high job satisfaction due to the personal connections they form with their customers.

How LocumCo Supports Your Career Growth

LocumCo is not just a job board, we are your career partner. Whether you’re a pharmacy assistant looking to climb the career ladder or an experienced pharmacy manager seeking new opportunities, we’ve got you covered.

We provide:

• A strong network of potential employers
• A reverse job board where employers come to you based on your profile, allowing you to explore opportunities that match your skills and experience
• Comprehensive support throughout your job search and transition
• Tools like LocumCo+ ™ to track and manage job opportunities 

Take the next step in your career today!

Elevate Your Pharmacy Career with LocumCo

Are you ready to take your pharmacy assistant job to the next level? 

Whether you’re aiming for a pharmacy manager role or exploring other permanent opportunities in community pharmacies, LocumCo is here to help you every step of the way.

With our 39 years of experience, interactive job board, and customised job alerts, we make it easier than ever to land your ideal job in the pharmacy industry.

📞 Call us today at 1800 357 001 or email us at jobs@locumco.com.au or check out our pharmacy job board to get started.

FAQs

How can I progress from a pharmacy assistant job to management?

Gain management experience within your current role by pursuing assistant managerial roles, especially on weekends or after hours. This will help you develop leadership skills while balancing your current responsibilities. Pursue relevant education, and look for opportunities to apply for leadership positions within your pharmacy..

Are there permanent roles available for pharmacy assistants?

Yes! LocumCo specialises in placing pharmacy assistants in permanent roles, offering job security and career progression.

What’s the difference between locum and permanent pharmacy roles?

Locum roles offer flexibility, but permanent roles offer job security and a clear career progression path.

Can I get a job as a pharmacy manager without previous management experience?

Yes, if you’ve gained relevant skills and experience as a pharmacy assistant or in a leadership role within your pharmacy, you can apply for management positions