How to Enroll In the Right Pharmacist Tech Training Program Near Anchorage Alaska

Now that you have made the decision to attain your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near AnchorageAK, you may be thinking about how to pick the best school to get your education and training. Naturally the first step is to locate schools that offer the degree or certificate that you would like to earn. Many future students start by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are important factors when choosing a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications including reputation and accreditation must be taken into account also. And if you prefer studying at home in front of your computer rather than 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 diploma and degree options available, and the advantages of online courses.

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

Pharmacy Tech Degrees and Diplomas

Individuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy tech program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are basically two options to training to be 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 usually can be finished in a year or less. These programs provide an overview to the different elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and normally include classroom and lab training. Numerous programs also require an internship at an approved Anchorage AK pharmacy or similar facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which usually takes about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more extensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Each program should provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacy Tech Certifications Available

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but numerous graduates of pharmacy tech programs opt to get certified in order to be more qualified in the job market. Additionally, a number of Anchorage AK pharmacies will only employ a technician 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, be a high school graduate, has finished a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the applicant has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is required every 2 years by both programs, which may be fulfilled by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Colleges

Prior to selecting a pharmacy technician online school, it's important to realize that the majority of programs do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical environment. This is typically fulfilled in an area Anchorage pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working with a seasoned pharmacy technician so as to obtain some real world experience. However the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed over the internet in your Anchorage AK home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for many students, especially for those who keep working while acquiring their certificate or degree. And online schools are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and expenses for commuting and course materials may be decreased substantially. With both the online and the clinical training, a comprehensive education is offered. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is critical for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So confirm that any online college you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency, for instance 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.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Anchorage

Find the Right Anchorage Pharmacy Technician School

Finding the right pharmacist tech training is a crucial first step to launching your career in a fulfilling profession where assisting people with their health is your purpose. In the past, most pharmacy techs were taught "on the job". These days, the majority of pharmacies 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. A large number of pharmacist tech schools incorporate both clinical and classroom work. As we have covered in this article, it's necessary to select a school that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This is true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the appropriate training and dedication you can achieve your goal of becoming a pharmacist technician in Anchorage Alaska.

 

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