How to Select the Right Pharmacy Tech Program Near Catalina Foothills Arizona
Having decided to earn your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near Catalina FoothillsAZ, you might be pondering just how to select the ideal college to receive your education and training. Naturally the first step is to find schools that offer the certificate or degree that you would like to earn. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are significant concerns when selecting a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifications such as reputation and accreditation need to be considered also. And if you are interested in attending classes at home by means of your computer rather than in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online program will also be part of your vetting process. Let's take a look at the diploma and degree options available, and the benefits of online programs.
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Pharmacy Technician Certificates and Degrees
Students wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are essentially two options to training to be a tech whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which usually can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs offer an overview to the various facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and generally include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also include an internship at an approved Catalina Foothills AZ pharmacy or other facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which normally involves about two years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does provide a more comprehensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program should provide the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to become certified.
Pharmacy Tech Available Certifications
Certification is not required in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy tech colleges elect to get certified so as to be more competitive when seeking employment. Also, a number of Catalina Foothills AZ employers will only hire a technician that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that provide 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 professional experience. The PTCB just requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is called for every 2 years by each program, which can be met by performing 20 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacy Tech Programs Online
Prior to selecting a pharmacist tech online training program, it's necessary to understand that the majority of programs do require a portion of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is commonly fulfilled in a local Catalina Foothills pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work under a seasoned pharmacy technician in order to obtain some real world experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed online in your Catalina Foothills AZ home or via any available computer. This option is more accommodating for many students, especially for those who continue to work while acquiring their certificate or degree. And online schools are often less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and expenditures for driving and course materials can be reduced substantially. With both the online and the clinical training, a comprehensive education is offered. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is essential for securing employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So check that each online college 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 supervised form of education, then online instruction might be the right solution for you.
Learn How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Catalina Foothills
Enroll in the Best Catalina Foothills Pharmacy Tech Course
Receiving the ideal pharmacist tech training is an important first step to starting your career in a rewarding profession where helping people with their wellness is your purpose. Traditionally, most pharmacist technicians were taught "on the job". Nowadays, most pharmacies can no longer afford to do this 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. Many pharmacist technician programs incorporate both classroom and clinical training. As we have addressed in this article, it's important to enroll in a school that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This holds true both for classes online and for those attended on campus. With the right training and commitment you can reach your goal to become a pharmacist tech in Catalina Foothills Arizona.
Catalina Foothills Pharmacy Technician Schools | Catalina Foothills Pharmacy Technician Training