How to Select the Right Pharmacy Technician Program Near Flagstaff Arizona

Now that you have made the decision to attain your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near FlagstaffAZ, you may be pondering how to select the ideal school to get your education and training. Usually the first step is to locate colleges that offer the degree or diploma that you would like to earn. Many potential students start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are critical concerns when selecting a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifications including reputation and accreditation must be evaluated as well. And if you prefer attending classes at home in front 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 diploma and degree options available, and the benefits of online classes.

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Pharmacy Tech Training Programs

Students wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are basically 2 options to becoming a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to attain a diploma or a certificate, which normally can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs offer an overview to the various elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include classroom and lab training. A number of programs also require an internship at an approved Flagstaff AZ pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which normally requires about 2 years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does provide a more extensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can provide the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacist Tech Available Certifications

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician schools opt to become certified so as to be more competitive when seeking employment. Additionally, many Flagstaff AZ employers will only employ a tech that is certified. There are 2 organizations that offer certification:

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

The NHA requires that the candidate be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of professional experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is called for every two years by each program, which may be satisfied by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Tech Online Programs

Prior to deciding on a pharmacy technician online training program, it's important to realize that the majority of programs do require that a substantial part of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is commonly satisfied in a local Flagstaff pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work with an experienced pharmacy technician so as to receive 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 option is more practical for many students, especially for those who keep working while acquiring their certificate or degree. And online colleges are frequently more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and expenditures for driving and study materials can be reduced significantly. With both the online and the clinical training, a comprehensive education is provided. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is critical for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So check that any online college you are reviewing is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, for instance 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 may be the best choice for you.

Find Out How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Flagstaff

Find the Right Flagstaff Pharmacy Tech Course

Receiving the right pharmacy technician training is a critical first step to launching your career in a rewarding occupation where helping people with their health is your mission. In the past, most pharmacy 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 provided by trade schools, vocational and technical colleges, as well as community colleges. Many pharmacist technician schools include both classroom and laboratory work. As we have discussed in this article, it's necessary to choose a program that is accredited and will ready you for certification. This is true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the proper training and dedication you can accomplish your goal to become a pharmacy technician in Flagstaff Arizona.

 

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