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Apothecary Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Apothecary Assistant information

What is an apothecary assistant?

Apothecary Assistants are professionals who support pharmacists or apothecaries in preparing, dispensing, and managing medications and medicinal products. Their duties often include measuring ingredients, labeling medications, maintaining inventory, and assisting customers with basic questions. They play a vital role in ensuring the pharmacy operates smoothly and that patients receive accurate prescriptions. Apothecary Assistants typically work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and may also help with administrative tasks and record-keeping.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apothecary assistant?

To thrive as an Apothecary Assistant, you need a basic knowledge of pharmaceuticals, inventory management, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pharmacy management systems, point-of-sale software, and safe handling of medicinal products is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in assisting pharmacists and serving customers. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate dispensing, safe handling of medications, and a positive customer experience.

What are some common challenges faced by an apothecary assistant, and how can they be overcome?

Apothecary Assistants often face challenges such as managing a high volume of prescriptions, maintaining accurate inventory records, and ensuring clear communication with both pharmacists and customers. To overcome these, it's essential to develop strong organizational skills, pay close attention to detail, and stay up-to-date with inventory management systems. Additionally, building good rapport with team members and being proactive in asking questions when uncertain can greatly enhance efficiency and accuracy in daily tasks.

What is the difference between Apothecary Assistant vs Pharmacist?

AspectApothecary AssistantPharmacist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingDoctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree; licensure required
Work EnvironmentCompounding pharmacies, health stores, or retail settingsHospitals, retail pharmacies, clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with medication preparation, inventory, customer serviceDispensing medications, patient counseling, clinical decision-making

While both roles involve working with medications, an Apothecary Assistant typically supports pharmacists by preparing and managing inventory in retail or compounding settings. Pharmacists have advanced education and legal authority to dispense medications and advise patients. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level, credentials, and scope of practice.

Do apothecary assistants make a lot of money?

Apothecary assistants typically earn a modest salary that varies by location and experience, with median wages often comparable to other retail or healthcare support roles. Advancement opportunities and additional certifications can lead to higher pay, but overall, the position is not considered highly lucrative.

What are popular job titles related to Apothecary Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA?

For Apothecary Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apothecary Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Apothecary Assistant jobs in Springfield, MA are:

Infographic showing various Apothecary Assistant job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Pharmacy Tech, Outpatient, Per Diem

Baystate Health

Springfield, MA • On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Baystate Health rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 894 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary:
Pharmacy technicians, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in various activities of the pharmacy department. Through the leadership of the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor and Assistant Director of Inpatient Pharmacy Services, the pharmacy technician is responsible for the essential functions and responsibilities outlined in this document, noting every employee is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned. Leadership has the right to change or add to the job responsibilities based on changes in workflows or processes as necessary.
Employee is expected to: Obtain and maintain appropriate knowledge and understanding of Baystate Medical Center/Baystate Health (BH) Pharmacy Services. This knowledge includes the values, policies, and procedures of BMC/BH and BH Pharmacy Services.
Understand major job responsibilities and performance factors that help meet the responsibilities which include: Drug Distribution; Dedication to Quality Improvement Initiatives; Customer Service & Teamwork; Attendance.
Demonstrate commitment and dedication to patient-centered delivery of care
Job Responsibilities:
1) Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position to which he/she is assigned and performs various functions associated with the institutional drug distribution system and in accordance with regulatory and compliance standards included in functions 2-6.
2) Accurately compounds, pre-packages, and re-packages medications, including labeling for bulk solid /liquid dosage forms according to department policy/procedure. Accurately prepares and distributes controlled substances according to department policy/procedure.
3) Performs aseptic compounding of parenteral admixtures and other sterile dosage forms. This includes the practice of aseptic technique, proper procedures for preparing all types of parenteral admixtures (including chemotherapy or other specialty solutions), preparation of the label and any control records, the proper technique for visual inspection of parenteral solutions, and the documentation of quality control. Employee must also be capable of performing the calculations required for the usual dosage determinations and solutions preparation using weight and volume equivalents in both the metric and apothecary systems.
4) Maintains a working knowledge of the general chemical and physical properties of drugs handled in the pharmacy department. This includes identifying medications that are light sensitive, requires refrigeration, are caustic, or poisonous. Employee is also able to use reference books to locate stability information or material safety data sheets.
5) Operates automated technology (Pyxis, compounders, computers, etc.) in accordance to policy, procedures and manufacturing instructions.Appropriately utilizes the automated dispensing machines to facilitate medication dispensing in accordance with BH policy and procedure.
6) Performs the essential functions relating to drug purchasing and inventory control as needed.
7) Dedication to Quality Improvement Initiatives:
Accurately refills, checks, locks and stickers code carts according to policy/procedure. Functions in accordance to the operational procedures specific to the various satellites and shifts and is familiar with the various specialty areas and procedures (Chemotherapy, ORs, IDS, BOSC, NICU, etc; Participates in the training and/or orientation of new pharmacy employees. Participates in the BH staff development program - Performance Evaluation (PE) and works to meet departmental, professional, and personal goals. Maintains a working knowledge of medication error prevention methods and handling/preparation techniques for high-risk or high-alert medications, including LASA medications. Understands population-specific preparation procedures (geriatric, adult, pediatric, and neonatal dosage forms and products)
8) Customer Service & Teamwork:
Interacts effectively with other members of the department and health care team on a regular basis. Maintains attentiveness to the rights of patients. Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Triages orders, determines priorities, processes orders and notifies the pharmacist as appropriate. Receives and refers incoming calls for the department, handles pharmacy window.
9) Attendance:
Employee is aware of and follows BH attendance policy
Required Work Experience:
1) None Required
Preferred Work Experience:
1) Previous Pharmacy Technician experience preferred
Skills and Competencies:
1) Possesses good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Understands the principles of staff engagement
Proficient in computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) preferred
Ability to work independently
Demonstrated math skills
Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.
Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum
$20.79 - $24.34 - $29.82
Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

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