How to Enroll In the Right Pharmacy Tech Training Program Near Homewood Alabama

Now that you have made the decision to attain your pharmacy technician degree or certificate near HomewoodAL, you might be wondering just how to pick the best program to get your education and training. Naturally the initial step is to find schools that offer the certificate or degree that you are interested in. Many potential students start by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are critical factors when picking a college, they are not the sole ones. Qualifiers including reputation and accreditation should be taken into account also. And if you are interested in attending classes in your home in front of your computer as opposed to in a classroom, then finding an accredited online program will also be part of your vetting process. Let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the advantages of online classes.

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Pharmacy Tech Degrees and Diplomas

Individuals desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are basically 2 alternatives to training to be a tech whether you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which typically can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs provide an introduction to the various elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and generally include classroom and lab training. Many programs also require an internship at an approved Homewood AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which generally requires about 2 years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more in depth education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program can furnish the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacist Technician Certifications Available

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but many graduates of pharmacy tech schools opt to become certified in order to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, a number of Homewood AL employers will only employ a tech that is certified. There are 2 organizations that offer certification:

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

The NHA requires that the applicant be 18 years or older, has graduated from high school, has completed a training program, and has one or more years of work experience. The PTCB just requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is required every two years by each program, which can be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Schools Online

Before selecting a pharmacist tech online school, it's necessary to realize that the majority of programs do require that a substantial part of the training be carried out in a clinical environment. This is typically satisfied in a local Homewood 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 real world experience. Fortunately the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken over the internet in your Homewood AL home or via any available computer. This option is more convenient for most students, notably for those who continue to work while attaining their certificate or degree. And online colleges are sometimes more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and expenses for driving and course materials can be reduced substantially. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is offered. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is important for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So verify that each online school you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to learn with a less formal type of education, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Find Out How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Homewood

Find the Right Homewood Pharmacy Technician School

Receiving the best pharmacy technician training is a critical first step to starting your career in a gratifying occupation where helping people with their wellness is your mission. In the past, many pharmacy technicians were taught "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of employers can no longer operate this way and much prefer to hire formally trained techs. Training is offered by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacy tech programs incorporate both clinical and classroom work. As we have discussed in this article, it's essential to select a school that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This holds true both for classes online and for those attended on campus. With the appropriate education and determination you can accomplish your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Homewood Alabama.

 

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