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Pharmacy Tech Certificate Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Paradise Valley Arizona

Paradise Valley Arizona female pharmacy tech assisting senior womanNow it’s time to choose and enroll in a pharmacy tech degree or certificate program near Paradise Valley AZ in order to receive the proper training to build a career in the rewarding field of healthcare. But just how do you undertake evaluating and comparing schools so that you ultimately pick the ideal one? Many future students start by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their home, and then comparing the tuitions. While tuition and location are significant concerns when deciding on a school, they are not the only ones. Qualifiers such as accreditation and reputation should be considered also. You might also choose to research a few accredited pharmacy tech online programs as an option to attending classes on campus. We will address these qualifiers and some others that you will need to include when comparing pharmacy technician schools. But first, let's take a look at the degree and certification options available, and the benefits of online classes.

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Pharmacy Tech Diplomas and Degrees

Paradise Valley Arizona pharmacy tech in white lab coatIndividuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy technician school are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are generally 2 alternatives to becoming a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which typically can be finished in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include classroom and lab training. Many programs also include an internship at an accepted Paradise Valley AZ pharmacy or similar facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which typically takes 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 can provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to get certified.

Pharmacy Tech Certifications Available

It is not required to earn certification in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy tech programs opt to get certified so as to be more qualified when seeking employment. Additionally, many Paradise Valley AZ employers will only hire a technician that is certified. There are two 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, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has one or more years of work 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 performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Programs

Paradise Valley Arizona woman enrolled in pharmacy tech training onlinePrior to selecting a pharmacy tech online program, it's important to realize that most programs do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is commonly fulfilled in a local Paradise Valley pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working with an experienced pharmacy technician in order to obtain some work place experience. However the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed over the internet in your Paradise Valley AZ home or via any available computer. This alternative is more practical for most students, particularly for those who keep working while attaining their degree or certificate. And online schools are often less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and costs for commuting and course 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 important for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So verify that each online program you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, for example the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to learn with a less structured form of education, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Pharmacy Tech Colleges

Once you have decided whether you wish to obtain a certificate or degree, and if you prefer to enroll in an online program or attend classes on campus, you can start to narrow your school options. There are numerous pharmacy technician programs to select from in the Paradise Valley AZ area and throughout the Country, so you must create a list of qualifying questions so that you can compare community colleges and vocational schools. As we discussed in our introduction, you will undoubtedly first start looking for schools that are within both your financial resources and driving distance from your Paradise Valley home. If you are willing to relocate or are going to enroll in an online pharmacy tech school, then location may not be important. But there are a number of other variables that you must take into consideration so that you may adequately compare schools. The questions below will assist you in gathering that information and help you to make your ultimate decision.

Is the Pharmacy Tech Program Accredited? Most pharmacy technician colleges and trade schools have earned a national or regional accreditation. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Programs earning accreditation from the ASHP have been screened and certified to provide a complete quality education. Online colleges may additionally earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals only with distance or online learning. Make sure to verify that the certificate or degree program as well as the college you choose are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting organization. Along with helping make sure that you get a quality education, it can assist in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, certification may require that the training program is accredited. And many Paradise Valley AZ employers will only hire entry level employees that have graduated from an accredited program.

Does the School Prep You for Certification? Certification is not required in all states, but numerous pharmacies prefer that the technicians they hire be certified. The pharmacy tech program should prepare its students to pass the PTCB or the NHA exam. Students planning on obtaining NHA certification will additionally need 1 year of professional experience. This requirement may be met by entering a college sponsored internship program.

Does the School Offer Internship Programs? As we just covered, the NHA requires a year of job experience for certification, which can be satisfied through an internship program. Perhaps the best way to acquire hands on clinical experience as a pharmacy technician is to train out in the field. Most pharmacy tech degree or certificate programs also require clinical training in order to graduate and an internship is a great way to fulfill the requirement. Ask if the colleges have associations with Paradise Valley AZ area pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics for internship programs.

Does the School Offer Job Placement Help? Finding that first position in Paradise Valley AZ after graduation, especially with no prior experience, can be a challenging undertaking without any support. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high job placement rate is an indicator that the school has a good reputation within the field generating appeal for its graduates. It also signifies that it has a sizable network of employer relationships where it can place graduates.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Paradise Valley AZ residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don't reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacist tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the pharmacy tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Paradise Valley AZ area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Find Out More about Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Paradise Valley

Choose the Right Paradise Valley Pharmacy Tech Program

Receiving the best pharmacy technician training is a crucial first step to starting your career in a rewarding profession where assisting customers with their health is your mission. In the past, most pharmacy techs were taught "on the job". Nowadays, most employers can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained technicians. Training is provided by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. Many pharmacy tech programs incorporate both classroom and clinical training. As we have covered in this article, it's necessary to select a school that is accredited and will ready you for certification. This is true both for online classes and for those attended on campus. If you make use of our other tips you will be able to compare colleges so that you are sure to make the best choice. With the proper education and dedication you can achieve your goal to become a pharmacy technician in Paradise Valley Arizona.




 

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