How to Enroll In the Best Pharmacy Technician College Near Calera Alabama

Now that you have decided to attain your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near CaleraAL, you may be wondering how to select the right school to get your education and training. Usually the first step is to find schools that offer the certificate or degree that you would like to earn. Many prospective students start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the tuitions. While cost and location are critical concerns when selecting a school, they are not the only ones. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation must be considered also. And if you prefer attending classes at home in front of your computer instead of in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online college 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 courses.

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Pharmacy Tech Degree and Certificate Programs

Students wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are basically 2 alternatives to training to be a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which usually can be finished in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the different elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and normally include classroom and lab training. A number of programs also require an internship at an accepted Calera AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which generally takes about 2 years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more extensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Each program should provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate decide to become certified.

Pharmacist Tech Available Certifications

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but numerous graduates of pharmacy technician schools choose to become certified in order to be more qualified when seeking employment. Also, many Calera AL employers will only hire a tech that is certified. There are two organizations that offer certification:

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

The NHA requires that the applicant be 18 years or older, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of professional experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is called for every 2 years by both programs, which can be fulfilled by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacist Technician Schools Online

Prior to selecting a pharmacy technician online program, it's important to understand that the majority of schools do require that a substantial part of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is typically fulfilled in a local Calera pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students often will have the benefit of working under a seasoned pharmacy technician in order to receive some real world experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed online in your Calera AL home or via any available computer. This alternative is more accommodating for many students, especially for those who continue to work while attaining their degree or certificate. And online colleges are often more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased significantly. With both the online and the clinical training, a comprehensive education is offered. But not all online programs are accredited, which is important for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So verify that any 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 dedicated enough to learn with a less formal type of education, then online classes might be the ideal option for you.

More on How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Calera

Enroll in the Right Calera Pharmacy Technician Course

Receiving the ideal pharmacist technician training is a critical first step to beginning your career in a rewarding profession where helping customers with their health is your objective. In the past, most pharmacy technicians were taught "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of employers can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained technicians. Training is offered by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. A large number of pharmacist technician programs incorporate both laboratory and classroom training. As we have covered in this article, it's essential to select a college that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This holds true both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. With the appropriate education and commitment you can achieve your goal to become a pharmacist tech in Calera Alabama.

 

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