How to Find the Right Pharmacist Technician Course Near Maricopa Arizona

Now that you have decided to attain your pharmacy tech certificate or degree near MaricopaAZ, you might be thinking about just how to select the best program to receive your education and training. Of course the first step is to locate schools that offer the certificate or degree that you are interested in. A number of future students begin by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are significant concerns when selecting a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifiers such as reputation and accreditation should be evaluated also. And if you prefer attending classes at home in front of your computer instead of in a classroom, then finding an accredited online school will also be included in your vetting process. Let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the benefits of online courses.

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Pharmacy Technician Degree Programs

Individuals desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician college are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are essentially two alternatives to training to be a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to attain a diploma or a certificate, which usually can be completed in a year or less. These programs offer an overview to the various aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also require an internship at an approved Maricopa AZ pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which generally involves about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more comprehensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program should provide the proper level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate decide to become certified.

Pharmacist Technician Certifications

It is not required to earn certification in every state, but numerous graduates of pharmacy technician schools elect to get certified so as to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, many Maricopa AZ employers will only hire a tech that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that offer certification:

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

The NHA requires that the candidate be 18 years or older, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has one or more years of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is required every 2 years by both programs, which may be satisfied by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacist Technician Programs Online

Prior to deciding on a pharmacy technician online program, it's important to understand that most schools do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is commonly fulfilled in an area Maricopa pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work under an experienced pharmacy technician so as to acquire some work place experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training can be taken online in your Maricopa AZ home or via any available computer. This option is more accommodating for most students, notably for those who keep working while acquiring their certificate or degree. And online schools are sometimes more affordable than traditional options. Tuition and expenditures for driving and course materials may be decreased significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a comprehensive education is offered. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is important for obtaining employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So confirm that each online college you are reviewing is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to study with a less structured form of education, then online instruction might be the ideal choice for you.

More on How to Train to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Maricopa

Enroll in the Right Maricopa Pharmacy Tech School

Finding the right pharmacy tech training is an important first step to beginning your career in a rewarding profession where helping people with their wellness is your purpose. Traditionally, many pharmacist techs were trained "on the job". Nowadays, most pharmacists can no longer operate this way and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated technicians. Training is provided by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. Many pharmacy technician colleges include both classroom and clinical training. As we have covered in this article, it's essential to select a program that is accredited and will ready you for certification. This holds true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. With the proper education and dedication you can accomplish your goal of becoming a pharmacist tech in Maricopa Arizona.

 

Maricopa Pharmacy Technician Schools | Maricopa Pharmacy Technician Training