How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Tech School Near Florence Alabama
Having decided to attain your pharmacy tech certificate or degree near FlorenceAL, you may be thinking about just how to choose the ideal college to receive your education and training. Usually the initial step is to locate colleges that offer the degree or diploma that you would like to earn. Many prospective students begin by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While tuition and location are important factors when picking a college, they are not the sole ones. Qualifiers including reputation and accreditation should be considered also. And if you prefer attending classes at home by means of your computer rather than in a classroom, then finding an accredited online school will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the certificate and degree options available, and the benefits of online classes.
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Pharmacy Technician Degree and Certificate Programs
Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech school are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are essentially 2 options 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 finished in a year or less. These programs present an overview to the various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include lab and classroom training. Many programs also require an internship at an approved Florence AL pharmacy or other facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which usually involves about 2 years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does provide a more comprehensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can provide the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate decide to become certified.
Pharmacy Technician Certifications Available
Certification is not required in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy tech programs elect to become certified so as to be more qualified in the job market. Also, a number of Florence AL pharmacies will only hire a technician that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that offer 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 candidate has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is required every two years by each program, which can be fulfilled by performing 20 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacy Technician Colleges Online
Before selecting a pharmacist tech online college, it's necessary to realize that most schools do require that a substantial part of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is commonly fulfilled in a local Florence pharmacy or health center by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy technician so as to obtain some real world experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken over the internet in your Florence AL home or via any available computer. This option is more convenient for many students, particularly for those who continue to work while earning their certificate or degree. And online colleges are sometimes more affordable than traditional options. Tuition and expenditures for driving and study materials can be reduced significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is offered. But not all online schools are accredited, which is important for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So verify that each online college you are reviewing is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, for example 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 may be the ideal option for you.
More on How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Florence
Find the Right Florence Pharmacy Technician Program
Getting the right pharmacist technician training is a critical first step to beginning your career in a rewarding occupation where assisting people with their wellness is your purpose. Traditionally, most pharmacist technicians were trained "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. Most pharmacist tech colleges incorporate both laboratory and classroom work. As we have covered in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a college that is accredited and will ready you for certification. This is true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the appropriate education and commitment you can realize your goal of becoming a pharmacy tech in Florence Alabama.
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