The training, for which you should have a secondary school leaving certificate, takes place in parallel in a pharmacy and at the vocational school.
It is a commercial training. Good knowledge of mathematics and German is a prerequisite for working successfully in this profession. The training normally lasts three years, but can be shortened in individual cases, e.g. if you have a high school diploma or good grades. More detailed information is available in pharmacies and from the chambers of pharmacists - the local pharmacist has the telephone number.
A PCA takes care of goods management in the pharmacy, from purchasing and ordering goods, to calculating prices, maintaining data in the computer, checking expiry dates and processing returns. In addition, a PCA supports the pharmaceutical staff, i.e. pharmacists and PTAs, in their work. PCAs are not allowed to dispense medicines in a pharmacy. However, they are allowed to advise and sell cosmetics, dietary products, dressings and plant protection products.