In support of the pharmacist's profession, the pharmacy assistant is an essential link in the medication chain. They distribute and sell prescription and over-the-counter products in pharmacies. This role brings them into direct contact with the vast majority of the population. However, the studies that lead to this profession are different from those of a pharmacist. We'll take a closer look at this in this fact sheet.
Training path for pharmacy assistants
Since 2022, students wishing to become pharmacy assistants no longer have to pass the Brevet Professionnel de Préparateur en Pharmacie (BP). This has been replaced by the Diplôme d'Études Universitaires Scientifiques et Techniques de Préparateur en Pharmacie (DEUST). This change has enabled pharmacy assistants to be better trained, and to obtain a Bac +2 level (compared with +1 previously).
This DEUST is accessible after a Baccalauréat, BEP, DAEU or CAP diploma, depending on the course chosen. In addition, some training organizations require apprentices to pass a preliminary test if they do not have a scientific baccalaureate. This test covers three subjects (chemistry, biology and mathematics) and verifies the candidate's level of basic knowledge, which is decisive for successful study.
Once the application has been accepted and admission granted, the course lasts two years. It combines a variety of courses, including
- Technical courses
- Scientific courses
- Practical training
By combining these three areas, students are trained in all aspects of their future profession. Depending on the student's age (under or over 30), the course will be run under an apprenticeship contract or a professionalization contract (paid), all supervised by an apprentice master.
Introduction to the pharmacy technician profession
Training as a pharmacy assistant is demanding, and will enable the apprentice to acquire a number of technical and human skills that will enable him or her to work with peace of mind and apply for the best pharmacy assistant jobs available:
- Technical skills
- Medication preparation: interpreting medical prescriptions and preparing prescribed medications.
- Advice and information: advising patients on the correct use of drugs, their potential side effects, and drug interactions.
- Stock management: procurement of pharmaceutical products, checking expiration dates, placing orders and receiving deliveries.
- Compounding: setting up personalized drugs for specific patients, according to doctors' prescriptions, following procedures.
- Human qualities
- Rigor and precision
- Listening skills
- Discretion
- Team spirit
Career opportunities for pharmacy assistants
Job opportunities after training
Once they've obtained their DEUST, pharmacy assistants can work in a variety of professional environments, including dispensing pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, pharmaceutical industries, medical biology laboratories and healthcare establishments. The diversity of these environments means that they can take on a wide range of missions and collaborative encounters, adding professional fulfillment to an already exciting career.
Becoming a pharmacist
Pharmacy assistants can become pharmacists more easily thanks to a bridging system. With a few years' experience, pharmacy assistants can resume their studies in pharmaceutical sciences by entering directly into 2ᵉ or 3ᵉ year. This system is subject to an application by dossier justifying the candidate's motivations and experience.
To find out more, browse our pharmacist studies fact sheet !
To sum up, training to become a pharmacy technician is short but demanding. They enable students to become seasoned professionals as soon as they enter the job market, where they will work alongside pharmacists and other medication specialists.
If you'd like to find out more, take a look at our pharmacy technician salary sheet!