How to Select the Best Pharmacy Technician College Near Flagstaff Arizona

Now that you have made the decision to earn your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near FlagstaffAZ, you may be pondering how to select the best program to receive your education and training. Of course the first step is to find schools that offer the degree or certificate that you would like to earn. Many potential students begin by searching for schools that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the tuitions. While cost and location are important concerns when deciding on a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifications including accreditation and reputation must be considered as well. And if you prefer studying at home by means of your computer as opposed to in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online school 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 programs.

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Pharmacy Tech Degrees and Certificates

Students wishing to enroll in a pharmacy tech program are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are generally 2 options to becoming a tech whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which typically can be finished in a year or less. These programs provide an introduction to the various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and generally include classroom and lab training. Numerous programs also include an internship at an approved Flagstaff AZ pharmacy or other facility. The second option 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 expansive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program can provide the proper level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacist Technician Certifications Available

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but numerous graduates of pharmacy tech colleges elect to get certified so as to be more competitive in the job market. Also, many Flagstaff AZ employers will only hire a technician that is certified. There are 2 organizations that offer certification:

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

The NHA requires that the applicant be at least 18 years old, 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 called for every two years by each program, which can be fulfilled by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Tech Online Schools

Prior to deciding on a pharmacy technician online college, it's important to realize that the majority of schools do require a portion of the training be conducted in a clinical setting. This is usually satisfied in an area Flagstaff pharmacy or health center by means of an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work under an experienced pharmacy technician in order to acquire some real world experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken online in your Flagstaff AZ home or via any available computer. This alternative is more practical for many students, particularly for those who continue to work while attaining their certificate or degree. And online programs are sometimes less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and expenditures for commuting and course materials may be reduced significantly. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is provided. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is important for securing employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So verify that any online program you are reviewing is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, for example the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to study with a less structured form of education, then online classes might be the best solution for you.

More on How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Flagstaff

Find the Best Flagstaff Pharmacy Technician Course

Receiving the ideal pharmacist tech training is a critical first step to starting your career in a gratifying profession where helping people with their health is your purpose. In the past, most pharmacist techs were taught "on the job". Nowadays, most pharmacies can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained technicians. Training is offered by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. Many pharmacist technician schools include both classroom and clinical training. As we have addressed in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a program that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This is true both for online classes as well as for those attended on campus. With the appropriate education and determination you can achieve your goal to become a pharmacist tech in Flagstaff Arizona.

 

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