How to Select the Right Pharmacist Tech Training Program Near Calera Alabama

Having made the decision to attain your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near CaleraAL, you may be thinking about just how to select the right program to receive your education and training. Of course the first step is to find colleges that offer the certificate or degree that you are interested in. A number of future students start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are significant factors when picking a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifiers including accreditation and reputation need to be taken into account as well. And if you prefer studying at home by means of your computer rather than in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online program will also be part of your vetting process. Let's take a look at the certificate and degree options available, and the advantages of online programs.

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Pharmacy Tech Training Programs

Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician college are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are basically 2 options to becoming a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a certificate or a diploma, which usually can be completed in a year or less. These programs offer an overview to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and normally include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also require an internship at an approved 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 provide a more comprehensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program should provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

Certification is not required in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician colleges opt to get certified in order to be more competitive when seeking employment. Also, many Calera AL employers will only hire a tech that is certified. There are two organizations that provide certification:

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

The NHA requirements are that the candidate be at least 18 years old, 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 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.

Pharmacy Technician Programs Online

Before deciding on a pharmacy technician online program, it's important to understand that most schools do require that a substantial part of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is typically fulfilled in an area Calera pharmacy or health center through an internship program. Students often will have the benefit of working with a seasoned pharmacy tech in order to obtain some real world experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken over the internet in your Calera AL home or via any available computer. This alternative is more practical for many students, notably for those who keep working while attaining their certificate or degree. And online schools are sometimes less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and costs for driving and study materials can 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 essential for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So confirm that any online program you are looking at is accredited by a recognized 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 solution for you.

Find Out How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Calera

Find the Best Calera Pharmacy Tech Program

Receiving the right pharmacy tech training is an important first step to launching your career in a rewarding occupation where assisting people with their wellness is your objective. In the past, many pharmacy technicians were trained "on the job". Nowadays, most employers can no longer operate this way and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained technicians. Training is provided by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. Many pharmacist technician colleges incorporate both classroom and clinical work. As we have discussed in this article, it's necessary to choose 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 proper training and dedication you can accomplish your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Calera Alabama.

 

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