How to Enroll In the Best Pharmacy Technician School Near Auburn Alabama
Having decided to earn your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near AuburnAL, you may be pondering just how to select 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. A number of future students start by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While cost and location are important factors when picking a school, they are not the only ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation need to be considered as well. And if you prefer studying in your home in front of your computer as opposed to in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online college will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the certificate and degree options available, and the benefits of online programs.
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Pharmacy Technician Degree Programs
Individuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy tech college are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are generally two alternatives to training to be a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which usually can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include classroom and lab training. Many programs also include an internship at an approved Auburn AL pharmacy or other facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which normally requires about two years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does provide a more expansive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Each program can furnish the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate decide to get certified.
Pharmacy Technician Certifications
It is not required to earn certification in every state, but numerous graduates of pharmacy tech colleges choose to get certified so as to be more qualified in the job market. Also, many Auburn AL pharmacies will only employ a tech that has earned certification. There are two organizations that provide certification:
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
The NHA requires that the applicant be 18 years or older, has graduated from high school, has finished a training program, and has one or more years of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has a high school diploma and passes their exam. Recertification is mandated every two years by both programs, which may be met by completing 20 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacist Technician Schools Online
Before deciding on a pharmacy tech online training program, it's important to realize that most schools do require that a substantial part of the training be carried out in a clinical environment. This is usually satisfied in an area Auburn pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy technician so as to receive some real world experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed online in your Auburn AL home or via any available computer. This option is more convenient for most students, especially for those who continue to work while attaining their certificate or degree. And online colleges are sometimes less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and costs for commuting and course materials may be decreased significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is offered. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is important for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So confirm that each 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 learn with a less structured form of education, then online instruction might be the best option for you.
Learn How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Auburn
Enroll in the Best Auburn Pharmacy Tech Course
Getting the ideal pharmacist technician training is an important first step to launching your career in a gratifying occupation where assisting customers with their wellness is your purpose. In the past, most pharmacy technicians were trained "on the job". These days, the majority of pharmacies 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. The majority of pharmacist tech colleges incorporate both classroom and laboratory training. As we have discussed in this article, it's important to enroll in a program that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This is true both for classes online and for those attended on campus. With the appropriate education and dedication you can accomplish your goal of becoming a pharmacy tech in Auburn Alabama.