How to Enroll In the Right Pharmacy Technician Course Near Dothan Alabama

Having decided to attain your pharmacy technician degree or certificate near DothanAL, you might be pondering just how to select the best college to receive your education and training. Naturally the initial step is to locate schools that offer the degree or diploma that you are interested in. A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are significant concerns when choosing a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifications including reputation and accreditation should be taken into account also. And if you prefer studying in your home by means of your computer instead of in a classroom, then finding an accredited online school will also be part of your vetting process. Let's take a look at the diploma and degree options available, and the advantages of online programs.

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Pharmacy Technician Degrees and Certificates

Individuals desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech program are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are basically two alternatives 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 finished in a year or less. These programs present an introduction to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include lab and classroom training. Numerous programs also include an internship at an approved Dothan AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which usually involves about 2 years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more comprehensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education in the future. Each program can furnish the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacist Technician Certifications Available

Certification is not required in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician programs opt to get certified in order to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, many Dothan AL pharmacies will only employ a technician 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 18 years or older, be a high school graduate, has finished a training program, and has one or more years of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the applicant has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is required every two years by each program, which may be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacist Tech Colleges Online

Before selecting a pharmacy technician online college, it's important to understand that most programs do require that a substantial part of the training be conducted in a clinical setting. This is usually fulfilled in a local Dothan pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students often will have the benefit of working with an experienced pharmacy technician so as to obtain some work place experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training can be taken over the internet in your Dothan AL home or via any available computer. This alternative is more convenient for many students, notably for those who continue to work while attaining their certificate or degree. And online schools are often less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and costs for commuting and course materials can be decreased significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a comprehensive education is provided. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is essential for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So check that each online program you are reviewing is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to study with a less supervised form of education, then online instruction may be the right option for you.

More on How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Dothan

Find the Best Dothan Pharmacy Technician School

Receiving the best pharmacy technician training is an important first step to launching your career in a gratifying profession where assisting customers with their wellness is your mission. In the past, many pharmacist technicians were trained "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of employers can no longer afford to do this and much prefer to hire formally trained technicians. Training is provided by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. Many pharmacy technician colleges incorporate both laboratory and classroom training. As we have discussed in this article, it's necessary to select a school that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This holds true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the proper education and dedication you can realize your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Dothan Alabama.

 

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