Are you familiar with the Costco pharmacy sales assistant job? As a Costco pharmacy sales assistant, you will help shoppers purchase quality medications and health supplements.
If this job sounds like something you’d be interested in, continue to read our guide to learn more about Costco pharmacy sales assistants, including what hours they work, how much you could earn, and other valuable facts!
Key Takeaways
What is the Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant Job In 2022?
As Costco pharmacy sales assistants, employees will support licensed pharmacists in Costco stores in 2022. Under close supervision from the pharmacist, they fill prescriptions, verify billing information, and counsel clients on products. Generous pay begins at $24/hour. This job is an excellent position for a pharmacology student wishing to gain experience before graduation.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Costco pharmacy sales assistant position, its pay, work hours, and duties. Keep reading for more information!
What is a Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant?
While at Costco stores, pharmacy sales assistants help consumers find and purchase their medications and health supplements in the pharmacy department.
Besides assisting with purchasing medications, these individuals have many other department responsibilities, from stocking shelves to customer service.
What are the Requirements for Being a Pharmacy Sales Assistant at Costco?
As a part of the Costco pharmacy sales assistant job, you will be required to work independently.
In addition, you must have excellent communication skills and provide exceptional customer service.
While working in this position, pharmacy sales assistants are expected to put in the hard work so that customers feel comfortable doing business and approaching them for answers when the pharmacist is unavailable.
Besides these skills, Costco also has several requirements that pharmacy sales assistants should meet, such as the following:
- Must have a high school education or equivalent
- An Associate’s degree in pharmacology is preferred
- Preference is given to applicants that have certification as a pharmacy technician
- Must understand sterile product preparation
- Must understand Federal and State drug regulations
- Should have basic knowledge of medical terminology
- Should have a basic understanding of generic names of commonly prescribed medications
- Must be experienced working with administrative and clerical procedures and systems
- Must know relevant computer applications
For success in this position, applicants should exhibit the following traits:
- Pay close attention to detail and accurately follow directions
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Vital planning and organizational skills
- Exhibit sound judgment and decision-making
- Maintain confidentiality
- Work closely with a team
What Are Some Duties of a Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant?
As a pharmacy sales assistant at Costco, you will process and price prescriptions, assist customers with health questions in the pharmacy, stock drugs, supplies, and over-the-counter goods.
As well, you will provide excellent customer service by helping to identify potential customers and welcoming them into the store and pharmacy department.
Likewise, Costco pharmacy sales assistants demonstrate excellent customer service by ensuring they satisfy all customers with their purchases.
One of your principal duties is explaining how to use the pharmacy products to customers who are unsure about using them.
Since customers may be unfamiliar with store layout, pharmacy sales assistants must also help customers find items they need by directing them to where the product is located or scanning them on the store’s computerized inventory system.
Not only will you work with clients while in the store, but will also take orders over the phone, enter those orders into the company’s computer system to be processed, and ring up each order.
Finally, you’ll have to work with other pharmacy employees to perform daily tasks such as filling prescriptions or distributing medication bottles, while ensuring that everything is done correctly and efficiently.
While filing all prescriptions, pharmacy sales assistants work under the strict guidance of a licensed pharmacist.
Other department duties they may be asked to perform are listed as follows:
- Speak with prescribing physicians to ensure accuracy of prescription information
- Release existing prescription refills or request new prescriptions per existing Costco procedures
- Collect and input patient information into the Costco data management system
- Monitor and maintain an inventory of medicines, pharmaceutical supplies, as well as place orders for any items running low in supply
- Finish sales transactions for prescription and over-the-counter medications and other pharmaceutical products
- Collect and process payments, prepare billing details for medications, and process insurance claims
How Much Money Does a Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant Make?
On average, hourly wages for a Costco pharmacy sales assistant can range from $24 to $26 per hour.
Additionally, all employees can take part in Costco’s world-class benefits programs. Benefits programs include health insurance, life insurance, and a prescription drug plan.
As well, workers have access to retirement plans and special programs that support future career growth.
What Hours Do Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistants Work?
As a Costco pharmacy sales assistant, you can work full-time or part-time hours, so you’ll have the flexibility to take time off when it becomes necessary.
How Do I Apply to the Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant Job?
Once you’re ready to apply for the pharmacy sales assistant job, the open position can be found by accessing the job description on the Costco Career website.
Begin by clicking on the link that reads Choose a Location to select a store location and apply for an opening.
After completing this step, the applicant has to log in to their Costco applicant profile to complete a new application (past Costco applicants have an existing login to access the portal).
At the same time, new applicants need to set up a profile with their email addresses and contact information before retrieving the application.
While filling in the information for the application (education, work history), be sure to list any certifications or experience related to pharmacy sales that you may have.
Once the application is submitted, the Costco human resources team will review it. If accepted, an interview with a store manager will be scheduled to make a final decision.
Is the Costco Pharmacy Sales Assistant Job a Good Job?
For students pursuing a degree or licensing in pharmacology, the Costco pharmacy sales assistant position is an excellent job that will help them gain experience.
Many find that investing in education training programs is a great way to increase your earning potential upon graduation from the program.
Besides experience, Costco gives its employees competitive pay and benefits.
To know more, you can also check our posts about Costco pharmacists, Costco optician jobs, and does Costco delivers prescriptions.
Conclusion
As a supporting role to licensed pharmacists, Costco pharmacy sales assistants have a lot of responsibilities, as they are expected to answer questions and help customers find what they are looking for.
In addition, they must multitask in a fast-paced environment. If you have the skills, Costco pharmacy sales assistant could be an excellent job for you.