How to Pick the Best Pharmacy Technician Training Program Near Jacksonville Alabama

Having decided to earn your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near JacksonvilleAL, you might be wondering just how to pick the best college to receive your education and training. Naturally the initial step is to locate colleges that offer the diploma or degree that you are interested in. A number of prospective students start by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the cost. While tuition and location are critical concerns when deciding on a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation need to be taken into account also. And if you are interested in studying in your home in front of your computer rather than in a classroom, then finding an accredited online college will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the diploma and degree options available, and the advantages of online classes.

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Pharmacy Tech Degrees and Diplomas

Students wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are essentially two alternatives to training to be a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to earn a certificate or a diploma, which typically can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs present an overview to the various facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and normally include lab and classroom training. Numerous programs also include an internship at an accepted Jacksonville AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which generally requires about 2 years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does offer a more in depth education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Either program can provide the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacist Technician Certifications

Certification is not required in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy tech programs opt to become certified so as to be more competitive when seeking employment. Additionally, a number of Jacksonville AL pharmacies will only employ a technician that has earned certification. There are two organizations that provide 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 completed a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has a high school diploma and passes their examination. Recertification is called for every 2 years by both programs, which can be met by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Tech Programs Online

Prior to choosing a pharmacist technician online program, it's important to understand that most schools do require a portion of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is usually fulfilled in an area Jacksonville pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work under a seasoned pharmacy technician so as to receive some work place experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training may be accessed online in your Jacksonville AL home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for most students, notably for those who continue to work while attaining their degree or certificate. And online programs are often more affordable than traditional options. Tuition and costs for driving and study materials may be reduced substantially. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is provided. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is important for securing employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So verify that each online program you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, for example the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to learn with a less structured form of education, then online training might be the best option for you.

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Find the Right Jacksonville Pharmacy Technician School

Finding the ideal pharmacist tech training is a crucial first step to beginning your career in a rewarding profession where assisting people with their wellness is your objective. In the past, many pharmacist technicians were taught "on the job". These days, the majority of pharmacists can no longer afford to do this and much prefer to hire formally trained technicians. Training is offered by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. Most pharmacist tech schools include both classroom and laboratory work. As we have addressed in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a college that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This is true both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. With the appropriate education and commitment you can realize your goal to become a pharmacist tech in Jacksonville Alabama.

 

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