How to Find the Best Pharmacy Technician Course Near Fairbanks Alaska

Now that you have made the decision to earn your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near FairbanksAK, you may be wondering just how to choose the right school to receive your education and training. Naturally the initial step is to find schools that offer the certificate or degree that you would like to earn. A number of prospective students begin by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are important concerns when deciding on a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation need to be considered also. And if you prefer studying in your home by means of your computer instead of in a classroom, then finding an accredited online college will also be part of your vetting process. Let's take a look at the certificate and degree options available, and the advantages of online courses.

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Pharmacy Technician Degrees

Individuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are generally 2 alternatives to becoming a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which normally can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs present an introduction to the various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and normally include classroom and lab training. Many programs also include an internship at an approved Fairbanks AK pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which normally requires about 2 years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does offer a more extensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can furnish the proper level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

It is not required to earn certification in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician colleges opt to get certified in order to be more competitive in the job market. Additionally, many Fairbanks AK employers will only employ a tech that is certified. There are two organizations that provide certification:

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

The NHA requires that the candidate be 18 years or older, has graduated from high school, has finished a training program, and has at least one year of professional experience. The PTCB just requires that the applicant has a high school diploma and passes their examination. Recertification is required every two years by each program, which can be met by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Programs

Prior to selecting a pharmacy tech online school, it's necessary to understand that the majority of programs do require a portion of the training be conducted in a clinical environment. This is typically satisfied in an area Fairbanks pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy tech in order to obtain some work place experience. Fortunately the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken over the internet in your Fairbanks AK home or via any available computer. This alternative is more accommodating for most students, notably for those who keep working while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online programs are frequently more affordable than traditional options. Tuition and expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced significantly. 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 verify that any online school you are looking at is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to study with a less formal type of education, then online training may be the ideal choice for you.

More on How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Fairbanks

Find the Best Fairbanks Pharmacy Tech School

Finding the best pharmacy technician training is a crucial first step to starting your career in a gratifying occupation where helping customers with their health is your purpose. Traditionally, many 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 trained techs. Training is furnished by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. Most pharmacy tech colleges incorporate both laboratory and classroom work. As we have covered in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a program that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This applies both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the right education and dedication you can achieve your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Fairbanks Alaska.

 

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