Pharmacy Tech Training Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Gilroy California

Having decided to attain your pharmacy technician certificate or degree near Gilroy CA, you might be thinking about just how to pick the right college to get your education and training. But just how do you go about comparing and evaluating colleges so that you subsequently enroll in the best one? Many potential students begin by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their home, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are significant factors when selecting a school, they are not the sole ones. Qualifiers including reputation and accreditation should be considered also. And if you are interested in studying in your home in front of your computer instead of in a classroom, then finding an accredited online program will also be part of your vetting process. We will address these qualifications and 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 advantages of online programs.

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Pharmacy Tech Degrees

Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech school are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are essentially two 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 usually can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs provide an introduction to the various elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include lab and classroom training. Many programs also include an internship at an accepted Gilroy CA pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which usually involves about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more expansive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program can provide the proper level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate decide to become certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Available

Certification is not required in all states, but many graduates of pharmacy technician programs elect to become certified in order to be more competitive in the job market. Additionally, many Gilroy CA employers will only employ 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 applicant be 18 years or older, 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 applicant has graduated high school and passes their exam. Recertification is called for every two years by each program, which may be fulfilled by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Colleges Online

Before deciding on a pharmacy technician online college, it's important to understand that the majority of programs do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is commonly satisfied in an area Gilroy pharmacy or health center by means of an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work under a seasoned pharmacy tech so as to get some work place experience. Fortunately the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken over the internet in your Gilroy CA home or via any available computer. This alternative is more practical for most students, particularly for those who keep working while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online schools are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and expenses for commuting and course materials can be reduced significantly. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is offered. But not all online schools are accredited, which is critical for obtaining employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So confirm that each online school you are looking at is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for example the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to learn with a less formal type of education, then online training may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Pharmacy Technician Programs

Once you have determined whether you want to earn a degree or a certificate, and if you prefer to enroll in an online school or attend classes on campus, you can start to narrow your school options. There are a large number of pharmacy technician programs to select from in the Gilroy CA area and throughout the United States, so you must develop a list of qualifying questions so that you can contrast community colleges and trade schools. As we addressed in our introduction, you will undoubtedly initially look for colleges that are within both your financial resources and commuting distance from your Gilroy home. If you are able to relocate or are have decided to enroll in an online pharmacy tech program, then location may not be significant. But there are a number of other variables that you need to take into consideration in order to adequately compare programs. The following questions will help you in gathering that information and help you to make your ultimate choice.

Is the Pharmacy Technician School Accredited? The majority of pharmacist tech colleges and trade schools have earned a national or regional accreditation. Among the most respected accrediting agencies is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Colleges earning accreditation from the ASHP have been screened and verified to offer a comprehensive superior education. Online colleges may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals only with distance or online education. Don't forget to verify that the certificate or degree program in addition to the school you select are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Along with helping make sure that you receive a superior education, it may help in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Also, certification may require that the program of training is accredited. And many Gilroy CA pharmacies will only hire entry level employees that have earned a degree from an accredited school.

Does the Program Prep You for Certification? Certification is not required in all states, but numerous employers prefer that the techs they hire are certified. The pharmacy technician college should prepare its students to pass the NHA or the PTCB examination. Students planning on obtaining NHA certification will also need 1 year of professional experience. This requirement may be fulfilled by taking part in a college sponsored internship program.

Does the College Offer Internship Programs? As we just covered, the NHA requires 1 year of experience for certification, which may be met with an internship program. Perhaps the best way to get practical clinical experience as a pharmacy technician is to train out in the field. Most pharmacy technician certificate or degree programs also require practical training prior to graduation and an internship is a great way to satisfy the requirement. Check if the schools have a working relationship with Gilroy CA area pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals for internship programs.

Does the College Give Job Placement Assistance? Getting that first job in Gilroy CA after graduation, particularly with no professional experience, can be a daunting endeavor without some support. Ask if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher job placement rate is an indication that the college has an excellent reputation within the profession creating demand for its graduates. It also means that it has a substantial network of employer contacts where it can refer graduates.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they decide on will need to be within commuting distance of their Gilroy CA home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the typical 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 speak with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacist tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the pharmacy technician program you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Gilroy CA area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Learn More about How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Gilroy

Choose the Best Gilroy Pharmacy Tech Program

Finding the best pharmacy technician training is a crucial first step to beginning your career in a fulfilling profession where helping customers with their health is your mission. Traditionally, many pharmacy technicians were trained "on the job". These days, most pharmacists can no longer operate this way and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated technicians. Training is furnished by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. Many pharmacist technician programs include both classroom and laboratory work. As we have covered in this article, it's essential to select a school that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This is true both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. If you follow our additional suggestions you will be able to evaluate schools so that you are sure to make the best selection. With the proper training and determination you can reach your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Gilroy California.

 

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