How to Find the Best Pharmacist Tech Training Program Near Chandler Arizona

Having decided to earn your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near ChandlerAZ, you may be pondering how to pick the best program to get your education and training. Of course the first step is to locate schools that offer the degree or certificate that you are interested in. A number of future students start by looking for colleges that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While cost and location are critical factors when picking a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation must be taken into account also. And if you prefer attending classes at home in front of your computer instead of 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 programs.

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Pharmacy Technician Degree and Certificate Programs

Students 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 whether you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a certificate or a diploma, which usually can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs provide an overview to the various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and generally include lab and classroom training. Numerous programs also require an internship at an approved Chandler AZ pharmacy or other facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which usually involves about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more expansive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program can provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

Certification is not required in every state, but numerous graduates of pharmacy technician programs choose to get certified in order to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, a number of Chandler AZ employers will only hire a tech that is certified. There are two organizations that provide certification:

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

The NHA requirements are that the candidate be 18 years or older, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB just requires that the applicant has a high school diploma and passes their exam. Recertification is mandated every 2 years by both programs, which may be satisfied by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Colleges Online

Prior to selecting a pharmacist technician online program, it's important to understand that most programs do require a portion of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is typically satisfied in an area Chandler pharmacy or health center by means of an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work with an experienced pharmacy technician so as to receive some work place experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training can be taken over the internet in your Chandler AZ home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for most students, especially for those who continue to work while attaining their degree or certificate. And online programs are often more affordable than classroom 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 programs are accredited, which is important for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So verify that each online college you are looking at is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to learn with a less formal type of education, then online classes might be the right solution for you.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Chandler

Find the Right Chandler Pharmacy Technician Program

Finding the best pharmacy tech training is a critical first step to launching your career in a rewarding profession where helping customers with their health is your objective. In the past, many pharmacist techs were trained "on the job". Nowadays, most pharmacists can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated techs. Training is provided by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacist technician colleges incorporate both classroom and laboratory work. As we have discussed in this article, it's essential to enroll in a college that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This is true both for classes online and for those attended on campus. With the right training and commitment you can reach your goal of becoming a pharmacist tech in Chandler Arizona.

 

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