How to Find the Best Pharmacy Technician School Near Troy Alabama

Having decided to attain your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near TroyAL, you might be thinking about just how to pick the best school to get your education and training. Of course the first step is to find schools that offer the degree or certificate that you would like to earn. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are important factors when deciding on a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifiers including accreditation and reputation must be evaluated also. And if you prefer attending classes in your home by means of your computer instead of in a classroom, then searching for 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 benefits of online classes.

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Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

Individuals desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech college are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are basically 2 alternatives to becoming a technician regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which normally 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 classroom and lab training. A number of programs also include an internship at an accepted Troy AL pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which typically takes about two 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 down the road. Each program can furnish the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacy Technician Available Certifications

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician colleges choose to become certified so as to be more competitive when seeking employment. Also, a number of Troy AL pharmacies will only hire a technician 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 at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate, has finished a training program, and has at least one year of professional experience. The PTCB just requires that the applicant has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is called for every two years by each program, which can be met by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacist Technician Classes Online

Prior to choosing a pharmacy tech online program, it's important to understand that most programs do require that a substantial part of the training be completed in a clinical environment. This is typically fulfilled in a local Troy pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working under a seasoned pharmacy technician so as to get some work place experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training can be taken online in your Troy AL home or via any available computer. This alternative is more convenient for many students, notably for those who continue to work while earning their degree or certificate. And online schools are often less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and costs for driving and study materials may be reduced substantially. 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 check that each online college you are reviewing is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to learn with a less supervised form of education, then online training may be the right choice for you.

Find Out How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Troy

Enroll in the Best Troy Pharmacy Tech Course

Getting the right pharmacist technician training is an important first step to beginning your career in a fulfilling occupation where assisting customers with their wellness is your objective. Traditionally, most pharmacist technicians were taught "on the job". These days, most employers can no longer afford to do this and much prefer to hire formally educated techs. Training is offered by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacy technician programs include both laboratory and classroom work. As we have discussed in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a college that is accredited and will ready you for certification. This holds true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the proper training and dedication you can accomplish your goal to become a pharmacist tech in Troy Alabama.

 

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