How to Select the Right Pharmacist Technician Program Near Calera Alabama

Now that you have decided to attain your pharmacy technician degree or certificate near CaleraAL, you may be thinking about how to choose the best program to receive your education and training. Of course the initial step is to locate colleges that offer the degree or certificate 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 deciding on a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifiers including accreditation and reputation need to be evaluated as well. And if you prefer attending classes in your home in front of your computer instead of in a classroom, then finding an accredited online program will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the diploma and degree options available, and the benefits of online courses.

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Pharmacy Tech Degree and Certificate Programs

Individuals 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 two alternatives to becoming a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which typically can be completed in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the various facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include classroom and lab training. Numerous programs also require an internship at an approved Calera AL pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which typically takes about two years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more comprehensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Either program can furnish the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but many graduates of pharmacy technician colleges elect to become certified in order to be more competitive when seeking employment. Also, many Calera AL pharmacies will only hire a technician 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, has graduated from high school, has finished a training program, and has one or more years of professional experience. The PTCB just requires that the applicant has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is mandated every two years by both programs, which may be satisfied by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacist Technician Programs Online

Before selecting a pharmacist technician online college, it's important to understand that most programs do require a portion of the training be conducted in a clinical environment. This is typically satisfied in a local Calera pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work under a seasoned pharmacy tech so as to receive some real world experience. Fortunately the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken over the internet in your Calera AL home or via any available computer. This option is more accommodating for most students, particularly for those who continue to work while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online colleges are frequently more affordable than traditional options. Tuition and costs for commuting and course materials can be decreased significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is provided. But not all online programs are accredited, which is critical for securing employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So verify that any online college you are reviewing 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 structured form of education, then online training might be the best solution for you.

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

Enroll in the Best Calera Pharmacy Tech School

Finding the right pharmacist technician training is a crucial first step to beginning your career in a rewarding profession where helping people with their health is your mission. Traditionally, most pharmacy technicians were taught "on the job". These days, the majority of pharmacies can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated techs. Training is offered by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacy technician schools include both laboratory and classroom training. As we have covered in this article, it's necessary to select a program that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This applies both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. With the right training and dedication you can accomplish your goal of becoming a pharmacist tech in Calera Alabama.

 

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