How to Pick the Right Pharmacy Technician Program Near Prattville Alabama

Now that you have made the decision to earn your pharmacy tech certificate or degree near PrattvilleAL, you may be wondering just how to choose the right school to receive your education and training. Naturally the first step is to find colleges that offer the certificate or degree that you are interested in. Many potential students start by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While tuition and location are significant factors when selecting a school, they are not the only ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation should be considered also. And if you are interested in attending classes in your home by means of your computer as opposed to in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online program will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the benefits of online programs.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Pharmacy Tech Career Below

Pharmacy Technician Diplomas and Degrees

Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are generally 2 options to training to be a tech whether 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 various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include classroom and lab training. Many programs also require an internship at an accepted Prattville AL pharmacy or similar facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which generally involves about 2 years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more expansive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education in the future. Each program can furnish the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacist Tech Available Certifications

Certification is not required in every state, but many graduates of pharmacy technician colleges elect to get certified in order to be more qualified when seeking employment. Also, many Prattville AL employers will only hire a technician that is certified. There are 2 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, has graduated from high school, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB just requires that the applicant has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is required every 2 years by both programs, which can be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Schools

Prior to choosing a pharmacist technician online college, it's important to understand that the majority of schools do require a portion of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is typically satisfied in an area Prattville pharmacy or health center through an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy tech in order to acquire some real world experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training can be accessed over the internet in your Prattville AL home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for most students, particularly for those who keep working while acquiring their certificate or degree. And online colleges are sometimes more affordable than traditional options. Tuition and expenditures for driving and course materials can be decreased substantially. With both the online and the clinical training, a comprehensive education is offered. But not all online schools are accredited, which is critical for securing employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So check that each online school you are looking at is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to study with a less structured form of education, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Prattville

Enroll in the Right Prattville Pharmacy Tech Course

Finding the ideal pharmacy technician training is a critical first step to launching your career in a fulfilling profession where helping people with their health is your purpose. Traditionally, most pharmacist technicians were trained "on the job". These days, the majority of pharmacists can no longer operate this way and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated techs. Training is offered by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. Most pharmacy tech colleges incorporate both laboratory and classroom training. As we have discussed in this article, it's important to select a program that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This applies both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. With the proper training and determination you can realize your goal to become a pharmacist tech in Prattville Alabama.

 

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