How to Select the Right Pharmacist Tech Program Near Anchorage Alaska

Now that you have decided to earn your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near AnchorageAK, you might be pondering just how to select the ideal college to receive your education and training. Usually the first step is to find colleges that offer the degree or diploma that you would like to earn. A number of prospective students begin by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are critical factors when choosing a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation must be evaluated as well. And if you are interested in attending classes in your home by means of your computer as opposed to in a classroom, then finding 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 advantages of online courses.

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Pharmacy Technician Degrees and Diplomas

Individuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician college are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are basically 2 alternatives to training to be a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which typically can be finished in a year or less. These programs provide an introduction to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include classroom and lab training. Numerous programs also require an internship at an accepted Anchorage AK pharmacy or other facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which usually requires about two years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does provide a more in depth education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education in the future. Either program should furnish the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate decide to become certified.

Pharmacy Tech Certifications Available

Certification is not required in all states, but many graduates of pharmacy technician programs choose to get certified in order to be more competitive when seeking employment. Also, many Anchorage AK pharmacies will only hire a tech that is certified. There are two 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 finished 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 2 years by both programs, which can be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Tech Programs Online

Before deciding on a pharmacy technician online training program, it's important to realize that the majority of schools do require a portion of the training be conducted in a clinical setting. This is typically satisfied in an area Anchorage pharmacy or health center by means of an internship program. Students often will have the benefit of working with a seasoned pharmacy technician in order to acquire some work place experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training may be taken over the internet in your Anchorage AK home or via any available computer. This alternative is more convenient for most students, particularly for those who continue to work while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online programs are often less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and expenditures for commuting and course materials may be decreased substantially. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is provided. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is essential for obtaining employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So check that any online program you are looking at is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to study with a less structured form of education, then online instruction may be the best solution for you.

Learn How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Anchorage

Find the Best Anchorage Pharmacy Technician Program

Receiving the right pharmacy technician training is a crucial first step to launching your career in a gratifying profession where helping customers with their health is your mission. Traditionally, most pharmacist technicians were taught "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of employers can no longer operate this way and much prefer to hire formally educated technicians. Training is offered by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. A large number of pharmacy technician programs incorporate both clinical and classroom work. As we have addressed in this article, it's necessary 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 appropriate training and determination you can reach your goal to become a pharmacist tech in Anchorage Alaska.

 

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