How to Find the Right Pharmacy Technician Course Near Hoover Alabama

Now that you have made the decision to attain your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near HooverAL, you might be thinking about just how to pick the right college to receive your education and training. Of course the first step is to find colleges that offer the degree or diploma that you would like to earn. Many prospective students start by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While tuition and location are important concerns when selecting a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifications including reputation and accreditation should be taken into account also. And if you are interested in studying at home by means 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 certificate and degree options available, and the benefits of online classes.

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Pharmacy Technician Degree Programs

Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are basically two options to training to be 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 normally include lab and classroom training. Many programs also include an internship at an accepted Hoover AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which typically involves about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more extensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program can furnish the proper level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate decide to get certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but many graduates of pharmacy technician schools opt to get certified so as to be more competitive in the job market. Additionally, a number of Hoover AL employers will only hire a tech 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 applicant 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 just requires that the candidate has a high school diploma and passes their exam. Recertification is required every two years by each program, which may be met by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Classes

Prior to choosing a pharmacist technician online college, it's important to understand that the majority of programs do require that a substantial part of the training be conducted in a clinical environment. This is commonly fulfilled in an area Hoover pharmacy or health center through an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work with an experienced pharmacy tech so as to receive some work place experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training can be taken online in your Hoover AL home or via any available computer. This alternative is more accommodating for most students, especially for those who continue to work while earning their certificate or degree. And online colleges are sometimes less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and expenses for driving and course materials can be reduced significantly. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is provided. But not all online schools are accredited, which is essential for obtaining employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So verify 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 learn with a less supervised form of education, then online training might be the ideal solution for you.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Hoover

Find the Best Hoover Pharmacy Technician Course

Finding the ideal pharmacy technician training is an important first step to beginning your career in a fulfilling occupation where assisting people with their wellness is your objective. In the past, many pharmacy technicians were trained "on the job". These days, most pharmacists can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained techs. Training is provided by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacist tech colleges incorporate both laboratory and classroom training. As we have addressed in this article, it's essential to select a school that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This holds true both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. With the proper training and commitment you can reach your goal of becoming a pharmacy tech in Hoover Alabama.

 

Hoover Pharmacy Tech Training | Hoover Pharmacy Tech Programs