How to Enroll In the Best Pharmacy Tech Program Near Bessemer Alabama

Having decided to attain your pharmacy technician degree or certificate near BessemerAL, you might be wondering just how to pick the ideal program to get your education and training. Usually the first step is to locate colleges that offer the degree or diploma that you are interested in. A number of prospective students begin by searching for schools that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are important concerns when picking a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifiers including reputation and accreditation should be evaluated also. And if you prefer studying at home by means of your computer instead of in a classroom, then finding an accredited online college will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the advantages of online classes.

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Pharmacy Tech Degree Programs

Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech college are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are basically 2 alternatives to becoming a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which typically can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also require an internship at an accepted Bessemer AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which normally involves about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more extensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Either program should provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate decide to become certified.

Pharmacist Tech Certifications Offered

Certification is not required in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy tech colleges elect to get certified so as to be more competitive in the job market. Also, many Bessemer AL employers 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 requirements are that the applicant be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has one or more years of work experience. The PTCB just requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is required every 2 years by both programs, which may be fulfilled by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Programs

Before choosing a pharmacy tech online program, it's necessary to understand that most schools do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is commonly satisfied in a local Bessemer pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working under a seasoned pharmacy tech in order to obtain some work place experience. However the balance or non-clinical training may be taken online in your Bessemer AL home or via any available computer. This option is more convenient for most students, especially for those who continue to work while earning their degree or certificate. And online schools are sometimes more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and expenses for driving and course materials may be decreased significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is offered. But not all online programs are accredited, which is essential for obtaining employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So confirm that any online program you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency, for example the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to study with a less structured form of education, then online classes may be the right option for you.

More on How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Bessemer

Enroll in the Best Bessemer Pharmacy Technician Course

Getting the right pharmacy tech training is an important first step to starting your career in a fulfilling profession where assisting customers with their health is your mission. In the past, most pharmacy technicians were trained "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of pharmacies can no longer operate this way and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained technicians. Training is furnished by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacist tech programs include both clinical and classroom work. As we have addressed in this article, it's essential to enroll in a program that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This applies both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the appropriate training and dedication you can realize your goal of becoming a pharmacist technician in Bessemer Alabama.

 

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