How to Enroll In the Best Pharmacy Technician Course Near Alexander City Alabama

Now that you have made the decision to earn your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near Alexander CityAL, you may be pondering how to choose the ideal program to receive your education and training. Usually the first step is to find schools that offer the degree or diploma that you would like to earn. Many potential students begin by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are critical factors when selecting a college, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications including accreditation and reputation should be taken into account also. And if you are interested in studying in your home by means of your computer as opposed to in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online school will also be part of your vetting process. Let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the advantages of online programs.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Pharmacy Tech Career Below

Pharmacy Tech Certificates and Degrees

Students wishing to enroll in a pharmacy tech program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are generally 2 alternatives to training to be a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which normally can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs present an introduction to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and generally include lab and classroom training. Many programs also include an internship at an approved Alexander City AL pharmacy or other facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which usually requires about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more comprehensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can furnish the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate decide to get certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications

Certification is not required in all states, but numerous graduates of pharmacy technician programs elect to get certified in order to be more competitive when seeking employment. Also, a number of Alexander City AL pharmacies will only employ a tech that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that offer certification:

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

The NHA requires that the candidate be 18 years or older, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has a high school diploma and passes their examination. Recertification is mandated every two years by both programs, which can be met by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacist Technician Online Colleges

Before selecting a pharmacy technician online training program, it's important to understand that most programs do require a portion of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is commonly satisfied in an area Alexander City pharmacy or health center through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy tech so as to get some work place experience. Fortunately the non-clinical portion of the training may be accessed over the internet in your Alexander City AL home or via any available computer. This option is more accommodating for many students, particularly for those who keep working while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online schools are frequently less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and expenditures for commuting and course materials can be reduced significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is offered. But not all online schools are accredited, which is critical for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So check that any online school you are reviewing is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to study with a less formal type of education, then online training might be the ideal choice for you.

More on How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Alexander City

Find the Best Alexander City Pharmacy Technician Course

Getting the right pharmacy tech training is an important first step to starting your career in a rewarding occupation where helping customers with their health is your objective. Traditionally, most pharmacy techs were trained "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of employers can no longer operate this way and much prefer to hire formally educated techs. Training is provided by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacy tech programs include both classroom and clinical training. As we have addressed in this article, it's necessary to choose a college that is accredited and will ready you for certification. This holds true both for classes online and for those attended on campus. With the appropriate education and dedication you can achieve your goal of becoming a pharmacist technician in Alexander City Alabama.

 

Alexander City Pharmacy Tech Schools | Alexander City Pharmacy Tech Classes