How to Find the Right Pharmacy Technician College Near Athens Alabama

Having decided to attain your pharmacy tech certificate or degree near AthensAL, you may be thinking about how to choose the ideal college to receive your education and training. Usually the initial step is to locate colleges that offer the degree or certificate that you are interested in. Many future students start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the cost. While tuition and location are critical factors when picking a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation should be taken into account as well. And if you prefer 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 certificate and degree options available, and the benefits of online classes.

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Pharmacy Technician Degrees

Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are basically two alternatives to training to be a technician regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to attain a diploma or a certificate, which typically can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs provide an overview to the different elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include lab and classroom training. Many programs also require an internship at an accepted Athens AL pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which normally requires about 2 years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more in depth education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Each program should furnish the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacist Tech Available Certifications

Certification is not required in all states, but many graduates of pharmacy technician programs elect to become certified so as to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, a number of Athens AL pharmacies will only hire a technician that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that provide certification:

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

The NHA requirements are that the candidate be 18 years or older, be a high school graduate, has finished a training program, and has one or more years of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is mandated every two years by each program, which may be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacist Technician Online Colleges

Before deciding on a pharmacist tech online program, it's important to realize that the majority of programs do require a portion of the training be completed in a clinical environment. This is commonly fulfilled in a local Athens pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy tech so as to acquire some real world experience. However the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed over the internet in your Athens AL home or via any available computer. This alternative is more convenient for most students, particularly for those who keep working while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online colleges are often less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and expenditures for driving and course materials may be reduced significantly. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is offered. But not all online schools are accredited, which is important for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So check that each online program you are looking at is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency, for instance 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 best option for you.

Learn How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Athens

Enroll in the Best Athens Pharmacy Tech Program

Receiving the best pharmacist technician training is a crucial first step to launching your career in a fulfilling occupation where assisting customers with their health is your purpose. In the past, many pharmacy techs were trained "on the job". These days, most pharmacists can no longer afford to do this and much prefer to hire formally trained technicians. Training is offered by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. A large number of pharmacist technician colleges include both classroom and clinical training. As we have discussed in this article, it's important to select a college that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This is true both for classes online and for those attended on campus. With the right training and determination you can realize your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Athens Alabama.

 

Athens Pharmacy Tech Programs | Athens How To Become A Pharmacy Tech