Dispensers - Occupations - VTC Occupation Dictionary

Descriptions & Duties

Dispensers perform a variety of tasks associated with dispensing prescription medication under the guidance of a pharmacist or other health professional. They measure amounts of medication, give written and oral instructions on their use as prescribed by medical doctors to patients or clients. They order stock of medications, chemicals and supplies and updating inventory records, maintain proper storage for medicine or drugs and label containers with prescribed medications. They also clean the equipment and containers for dispensing or mixing medicines and pharmaceutical compounds.

Generic Competencies

Physical abilities

Technology
skills

Cognitive
abilities

Comprehension and expression

Social skills

Organisation and execution skills

Problem
solving skills

Management
skills

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

Physical strength
Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Technology Skills

Technology skills

Computer literacy
Application of technology

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

Creativity
Visualisation
Logical thinking

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

Reading comprehension
Oral / written expression

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Social Skills

Social skills

Communication
Negotiation
Persuasion

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

Planning
Organising
Judgement
Decision making

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Management Skills

Management skills

Leadership
Management of finance / time / people / other resources

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Trade Specific Competencies

Knowledge in pharmaceutical compounds and medication prescriptions

Dispensers should be good at identifying medicines which are in different medicinal ingredients, appearances and usages to ensure the appropriate medicines are dispensed to the patient.