How Do I Become a Pharmaceutical Delivery Driver?

<p>A pharmaceutical delivery driver delivers pharmaceutical and medical products to patients, hospitals, and medical centers. They are also known as medical delivery drivers, pharmacy drivers, or pharmacy couriers. These professionals usually drive vehicles that are smaller than semi-trucks and buses, so they do not have to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Class_B_Commercial_Driver_How_to_Become_a_Class_B_Commercial_Driver_in_5_Steps.html">earn a class B license</a>. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Job Title</b></td><td> Pharmaceutical delivery driver</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2022)*</b></td><td> $49,247</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)**</b></td><td> 10% (for all light truck or delivery services drivers)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education</b></td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Skills</b></td><td> Customer service, communication, and technology skills; attention to detail</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Additional Requirements</b></td><td> Valid driver's license, 21+ years old</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics </i> </p> <h2 id="section---PharmaceuticalTransportationJobDescription">Pharmaceutical Transportation Job Description</h2> <p>Pharmaceutical transportation jobs usually have drivers operate on a set schedule with a planned route each day. These drivers pick up and pack orders, such as prescriptions, medical supplies, or over-the-counter medicines, at the beginning of their shift and use a company vehicle to make routine stops. Depending on the job, they may pick up supplies from a shipping warehouse or a pharmacy. They usually deliver to patients' homes, hospitals, or medical centers. When handling pharmaceuticals, drivers must adhere to safety standards. </p> <p>While on the road, drivers must obey all traffic laws and be comfortable with driving in different weather conditions. Drivers are also responsible for keeping their vehicles clean and in working order and must report when a malfunction or incident happens. Delivery drivers may not deal with customers as often as other professionals, but they do have to interact with them regularly to confirm their orders and ensure customer satisfaction. When dealing with customers, they must be attentive, courteous, and follow company protocol. </p> <p>A medication delivery driver usually has regular hours, with occasional weekends and holidays. Sometimes they may be on-call, which means that for a set period of time, they may be called into work as needed. Some companies contract independent delivery drivers, and in these cases, drivers may be required to use their own cars. This also means their hours may be less regular. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToBecomeAPharmaceuticalDeliveryDriver">How to Become a Pharmaceutical Delivery Driver</h2> <p>Medication delivery driver jobs don't require any formal education, so the path to becoming one is considerably shorter than other professions. However, employers do look for candidates who meet a certain set of requirements and demonstrate applicable skills. Below is more information on those qualifications. </p> <h3 id="section---Requirements">Requirements</h3> <p>Pharmaceutical couriers must have a minimum of a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_High_School_Diploma_Program_FAQs.html">high school diploma</a> or equivalent. Some companies require candidates to be at least 21 years old. A valid driver's license in good standing is a must. Employers also typically look for candidates who can lift at least 30-75 pounds and are comfortable sitting in a vehicle for long periods of time. Experience with delivery is an additional preference. </p> <h3 id="section---Skills">Skills</h3> <p>An ideal candidate for pharmaceutical delivery driving should have these skills: </p> <ul><li>Attention to detail </li><li>Customer service skills </li><li>Communication skills </li><li>Technical skills </li></ul><p>A medication delivery driver must be detail-oriented to keep track of deliveries, record orders, and confirm customer identity. This individual must have good communication and customer service skills to work with other pharmacy team members, ensure customers are satisfied with the service, and be attentive to customer's needs. Lastly, they need to have a working knowledge of tablet technology, since many companies use it to process orders and deliveries.</p>