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Pharmacy Technician Degrees and Certificates
Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician program are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are essentially two alternatives to training to be a technician 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 completed in a year or less. These programs offer an overview to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include classroom and lab training. Numerous programs also require an internship at an approved Alaska pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which usually involves about two years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does provide a more expansive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program can provide the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to get certified.
Pharmacy Tech Classes Online
Before selecting a pharmacy tech online program, it's necessary to understand that most programs do require that a substantial part of the training be completed in a clinical setting. This is usually fulfilled in a local Alaska pharmacy or health center by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working under an experienced pharmacy tech so as to acquire some work place experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training can be taken over the internet in your Alaska home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for many students, notably for those who continue to work while earning their degree or certificate. And online colleges are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and costs for driving and course materials can 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 essential for obtaining employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So check that each online school you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to learn with a less supervised form of education, then online instruction might be the right choice for you.