Looking for a pharmacy role that fits around your studies? 

Juggling university, placements, and part-time work isn’t easy, but the right pharmacy job can complement your schedule and support your professional growth. 

The key is finding roles that offer flexible hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to apply what you’re learning in real time. It’s the smartest way to build confidence, sharpen your skills, and strengthen your resume, all while staying focused on your degree.

And here’s something you might not know: locum work isn’t just for Pharmacists anymore. Pharmacy assistants and dispensary technicians are stepping into flexible, well-paid, and often overlooked locum roles, gaining experience across different settings and teams.

With over 39 years of pharmacy recruitment experience, LocumCo is leading the way in connecting skilled Pharmacy Support Staff with locum opportunities across Australia.

Why Pharmacy Assistant Locum Jobs Are on the Rise

LocumCo has seen a significant spike in requests for pharmacy assistant locum jobs. 

Pharmacies are expanding service hours, rolling out digital health programs, and opening more rural sites, and they need skilled, adaptable staff to keep up.

Whether you’re a Pharmacy Assistant or Dispensary Technician, exploring early career options, locum work offers a variety of benefits.

What Is a Pharmacy Assistant Locum Role?

A Pharmacy Assistant locum steps in to cover shifts when permanent staff are away, whether for leave, illness, or during seasonal rushes. 

You’re in control of your schedule. There’s no locked-in contract, you apply for the roles that suit you, when they suit you. Prefer to let opportunities come to you? 

Use our reverse job board to list your availability and let employers reach out directly through our website. 

You might assist with:

Pharmacy Assistant duties typically focus on customer service and general store support, including:

• Stock replenishment and inventory management
• Front-of-store operations, using registers, and customer service
• Cleaning and general duties during peak hours

Dispensary Technicians, on the other hand, are more involved in clinical support, such as:

• Dispensing assistance and script preparation
• Serving patients and providing medication support
• Ordering and managing dispensary stock

This flexible model allows you to gain paid, hands-on experience, without committing to a long-term role.

The Benefits of Locum Jobs for Pharmacy Assistants & Dispensary Technicians

More pharmacy support staff are embracing locum work, and for good reason. 

Whether you’re a Pharmacy Assistant or Dispensary Technician, locum roles offer advantages you won’t find in a traditional position:

• Flexible schedules: Choose shifts that fit around your study, family, or lifestyle
• Competitive pay: Short-term demand can lead to higher hourly rates
• Varied environments: Gain experience in community, hospital, and rural settings
• Freedom to travel: Take on placements in new cities or regional areas
• Wider networks: Meet new teams, learn from different pharmacies, and grow your professional contacts

It’s practical, flexible, and a great way to build real-world experience on your terms.

Who Can Apply for Pharmacy Assistant Locum Jobs?

You don’t need to be a Pharmacist to benefit from locum roles. 

Here’s who’s eligible:

• Pharmacy students in years 1–2: Ideal for Pharmacy Assistant roles, especially those with strong customer service skills. If you’ve gained solid dispensary experience early, you may also be suitable for Dispensary Technician shifts.
• Pharmacy students in years 3–4: Often well-suited for Dispensary Technician roles, especially if you have experience with script preparation and dispensing support.
• Qualified Pharmacy Assistants: With pharmacy experience and strong communication skills.
• Student or qualified Dispensary Technicians: With proven skills in dispensing, stock management, and assisting pharmacists.
• Early-career pharmacy support staff: Looking for flexibility and exposure to different pharmacy settings.

If you’re already working in a Pharmacy and have strong dispensing or customer service skills, you’re in a great position to apply.

How to Register for Locum Work with LocumCo

LocumCo makes it easy for assistants and technicians to get started.

1. Contact LocumCo or call 1800 357 001. LocumCo makes it easy for Pharmacy Assistants and Dispensary Technicians, including students, to get started. Sign up via: Register with LocumCo  or discover top Pharmacy Career opportunities

1. We’ll contact you by phone or email to understand your skills, year level, availability, and role preferences
2. You’ll receive job matches that suit your profile, review, accept, and start working

Before registering, please ensure you have:

• Student PDL Insurance (free for all pharmacy students)
• An ABN number (also free and quick to set up)

Once you’ve registered, email your year level and availability to jobs@locumco.com.au so we can help you get started sooner.

The Hidden Career Growth in Locum Work

You may think locum jobs are just casual fill-ins. They’re not. Many Pharmacy Assistant locum jobs lead to full-time opportunities. 

Employers often hire standout locums into permanent roles or offer additional shifts across their banner networks.

Locum experience also builds your confidence, improves your resume, and can expose you to roles you wouldn’t find on your own.

Why More Pharmacies Are Hiring Locum Assistants

Pharmacies are facing constant staffing gaps due to:

• Increased demand for weekend and after-hours services
• Public health services like vaccinations and screenings offer a great way to trial pharmacy students before offering part-time or intern roles.

To meet this demand, many choose locum staffing solutions over long hiring processes. And that means assistants and techs are more valuable than ever.

How LocumCo Supports Pharmacy Support Staff

LocumCo is a pharmacy recruitment agency backed by technology, with expert support and an easy-to-use app to manage your opportunities. We offer: 

• Digital Self-Service Recruitment via LocumCo+ ™
• Customised Job Alerts tailored to your schedule and travel range
• Reverse Job Board Access so Pharmacies can discover you
• Compliance and Payroll Services built into the process

Everything is designed to make your locum journey smooth and rewarding, even if it’s your first time.

Where You Can Work as a Pharmacy Assistant Locum

Locum work isn’t limited to metro cities. In fact, regional areas often pay more and offer better flexibility. 

You can find work in:

• Suburban Community Pharmacies
• Hospital dispensaries (tech roles)
• Emergency and out-of-hours Pharmacies

The variety means you’ll never feel boxed in again.

Boost Your Resume with Real-World Experience

Many full-time Pharmacy Assistants stay in the same store for years. Locum staff, on the other hand, build broad skill sets and faster promotion potential by working across multiple environments.

This kind of experience makes you:

• More confident with systems like Minfos or FRED
• Stronger in handling diverse patient types
• A top candidate when full-time jobs open up

Stop Waiting. Start Choosing Your Schedule

Pharmacy Assistant and Dispensary Technician locum jobs are perfect for students who want to:

• Balance study with flexible, paid work
• Gain hands-on experience alongside their degree
• Explore both front-of-store and dispensary roles to build skills early
• Strengthen their CV before applying for intern positions

You don’t have to wait until your final year to get started, locum work lets you take control of your schedule and career growth while you study.

Let’s Unlock Your Locum Career

Locum work has changed. It’s no longer just for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Assistant roles (customer service, stock, registers) and Dispensary Technician roles (dispensing support, scripts, stock management) now gives Pharmacy students the flexibility, income, and growth they need while studying.

At LocumCo, we support you every step of the way, from sourcing shifts to handling paperwork and connecting you with Pharmacies that value your skills. 

With over three decades of trusted service, our industry-leading recruitment platform helps you access roles you wouldn’t find on your own.

📞 Ready to begin? Call 1800 357 001 or register now to find pharmacy assistant locum jobs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can assistants work as locums without being Pharmacists?

Yes! Locum roles are available for Pharmacy Assistants and Dispensary Technicians.

How do I get started with Pharmacy Assistant locum jobs?

To get started, simply create your free profile with LocumCo so we can learn about your preferences and availability. From there, we’ll match you with suitable pharmacy assistant locum jobs. For added convenience, download the LocumCo+™ app to explore and manage opportunities on the go.

Where are Pharmacy Assistant locum jobs available?

We place staff across metro, regional, and rural Australia, from community chains to private hospitals