How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Tech Course Near Drexel Heights Arizona

Having decided to earn your pharmacy technician degree or certificate near Drexel HeightsAZ, you might be thinking about just how to select the best college to get your education and training. Naturally the first step is to locate colleges that offer the degree or certificate that you are interested in. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges that are within commuting distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While cost and location are critical factors when selecting a college, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications including accreditation and reputation should be taken into account also. And if you prefer attending classes at home by means of your computer instead of in a classroom, then searching for 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 benefits of online classes.

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Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

Individuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy tech school are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are essentially 2 alternatives to training to be a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which normally can be finished in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the different aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and generally include classroom and lab training. A number of programs also require an internship at an accepted Drexel Heights AZ pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which normally requires about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more expansive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can furnish the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacist Tech Available Certifications

Certification is not required in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician schools elect to get certified so as to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, many Drexel Heights AZ employers will only employ a technician that has earned certification. There are two organizations that offer certification:

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

The NHA requirements are that the applicant be 18 years or older, has graduated from high school, 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 examination. Recertification is mandated every two years by each program, which can be satisfied by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Colleges Online

Before choosing a pharmacist technician online program, it's important to realize that the majority of schools do require that a substantial part of the training be carried out in a clinical environment. This is usually fulfilled in an area Drexel Heights pharmacy or health center through an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy technician in order to get some real world experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed online in your Drexel Heights AZ home or via any available computer. This option is more convenient for many students, particularly for those who keep working while acquiring their certificate or degree. And online programs are frequently more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and costs for driving and study materials can be reduced substantially. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is provided. But not all online schools are accredited, which is important for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So confirm that any online school you are considering is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to learn with a less supervised form of education, then online classes might be the right solution for you.

Learn How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Drexel Heights

Enroll in the Right Drexel Heights Pharmacy Technician School

Finding the ideal pharmacist tech training is an important first step to beginning your career in a gratifying occupation 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 operate this way and much prefer to hire formally educated technicians. Training is provided by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. A large number of pharmacy tech schools include both classroom and laboratory training. As we have discussed in this article, it's essential to select a college 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 proper training and determination you can achieve your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Drexel Heights Arizona.

 

Drexel Heights Pharmacy Tech Training | Drexel Heights Pharmacy Tech Programs