This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist pharmacists with the preparation of prescription medicines. It requires the ability to check patient and prescription details; operate a computerised dispensing system; and select, label and despatch medicines from the dispensary after a pharmacist has checked all details.

This unit applies to dispensary assistants working in community pharmacies. When dispensing prescribed medications they work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and their role is limited to those dispensing functions that do not require them to exercise professional pharmaceutical judgement or discretion.

This unit incorporates the requirement for pharmacy assistants to comply with federal, state and territory law and Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for supplying scheduled Pharmacy Medicines (S2) and Pharmacist Only Medicines (S3). At the time of publication, they are not, however, required to hold an occupational licence or to be certified as competent in this unit to dispense scheduled medicines.