How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Tech Program Near Dothan Alabama

Having decided to earn your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near DothanAL, you may be thinking about how to select the ideal school to get your education and training. Of course the initial step is to locate colleges that offer the diploma or degree that you are interested in. Many future students begin by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are critical factors when choosing a school, they are not the only ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation need to be considered as well. And if you prefer studying at home in front of your computer rather than in a classroom, then finding an accredited online program will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the benefits of online classes.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Pharmacy Tech Career Below

Pharmacy Tech Degrees and Certificates

Students wishing to enroll in a pharmacy tech school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are generally 2 options to training to be a tech whether you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which normally can be finished in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include lab and classroom training. Many programs also include an internship at an accepted Dothan AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which usually takes about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more in depth education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program can furnish the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate decide to get certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Available

Certification is not required in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy tech schools elect to get certified in order to be more competitive in the job market. Additionally, many Dothan AL employers will only employ a technician that has earned certification. 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 finished a training program, and has at least one year 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 each program, which may be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Tech Online Classes

Prior to deciding on a pharmacist technician online college, it's necessary to understand that the majority of schools do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is typically satisfied in a local Dothan 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 get some work place experience. However the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed over the internet in your Dothan AL home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for most students, especially for those who keep working while earning their certificate or degree. And online programs are frequently less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and expenses for commuting and course materials may be reduced substantially. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is provided. But not all online programs are accredited, which is critical for obtaining employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So confirm that each online college you are looking at is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to study with a less supervised form of education, then online training might be the right solution for you.

How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Dothan

Enroll in the Best Dothan Pharmacy Tech Program

Getting the ideal pharmacy tech training is an important first step to launching your career in a rewarding occupation where helping people with their wellness is your mission. Traditionally, most pharmacist technicians were taught "on the job". These days, the majority of employers can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained technicians. Training is furnished by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. Most pharmacist technician colleges include both classroom and clinical work. As we have discussed in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a program that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This holds true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the right training and commitment you can achieve your goal of becoming a pharmacy tech in Dothan Alabama.

 

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