How to Select the Best Pharmacist Technician School Near Glendale Arizona
Having decided to attain your pharmacy technician degree or certificate near GlendaleAZ, you may be pondering just how to select the right program to receive your education and training. Usually the initial step is to find schools that offer the degree or certificate that you are interested in. A number of prospective students start by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While tuition and location are significant concerns when selecting a college, they are not the sole ones. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation need to be evaluated also. And if you are interested in studying at home by means of your computer rather than in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online program will also be included in 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 Tech Degrees and Diplomas
Individuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are generally 2 alternatives to training to be a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which normally can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs present an overview to the different elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and generally include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also include an internship at an approved Glendale AZ pharmacy or similar facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which typically involves about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more expansive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program should provide the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate decide to become certified.
Pharmacy Tech Certifications
Certification is not required in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician schools elect to get certified in order to be more qualified in the job market. Additionally, many Glendale AZ employers will only hire a tech that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that provide certification:
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
The NHA requirements are 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 just requires that the applicant has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is mandated every 2 years by each program, which may be satisfied by completing 20 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacist Technician Online Classes
Prior to selecting a pharmacy technician online college, it's necessary to realize that most schools do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical environment. This is usually satisfied in an area Glendale pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students often will have the benefit of working under a seasoned pharmacy technician in order to get some real world experience. However the balance or non-clinical training can be taken online in your Glendale AZ home or via any available computer. This alternative is more practical for many students, especially for those who keep working while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online colleges are frequently more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased substantially. With both the clinical and the online training, a comprehensive education is provided. But not all online programs are accredited, which is essential for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So verify that any online college you are considering is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to learn with a less structured form of education, then online instruction might be the best option for you.
How to Learn to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Glendale
Find the Best Glendale Pharmacy Tech Program
Getting the best pharmacist technician training is a crucial first step to starting your career in a fulfilling occupation where assisting people with their health is your purpose. In the past, most pharmacy technicians 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 vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. Many pharmacist technician programs include both laboratory and classroom work. As we have covered in this article, it's essential to enroll in a school 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 training and determination you can reach your goal of becoming a pharmacy tech in Glendale Arizona.
Glendale Pharmacy Technician Programs | Glendale Pharmacy Technician Classes