Pharmacy Tech Training Program
How to Select the Best One Near Valencia California

Now it’s time to choose and enroll in a pharmacy tech certificate or degree program near Valencia CA so you can get the right training to build a career in the rewarding profession of medicine. Of course the initial step is to find schools that offer the diploma or degree that you would like to earn. A number of future students begin by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are important factors when selecting a school, they are not the only ones. Qualifiers including accreditation and reputation should be taken into account as well. And if you prefer attending classes in your home in front of your computer rather than in a classroom, then finding an accredited online program will also be included in your vetting process. We will address these qualifications and some others that you will want to include when reviewing pharmacy technician schools. But to begin with, let's discuss what a pharmacy technician does, the degree and certification options available, and the benefits of online programs.

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Pharmacy Technician Job Responsibilities

Pharmacy technicians have many job functions, but their principal duty is to dispense prescription medicines. Since they are not licensed, when filling prescriptions they must operate under the management of a licensed Valencia CA pharmacist. They must also have excellent customer service skills because they will be interacting directly with customers. Their attention to detail must be precise when preparing prescription drugs per the pharmacist's instructions. And they must have an in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology in order that they may help customers with understanding instructions for their medications in addition to other pharmaceutical information and literature. However, under no situation should they ever provide medical advice pertaining to medications or anything else. Any such questions would be handled by the pharmacist. Some of the common daily tasks a pharmacy technician may carry out are:

• Greet and assist customers with medications and other questions
• Prepare prescription medications under pharmacist supervision
• Add customer and prescription information into pharmacy computer system
• Phone customers when their prescriptions are ready for pick-up
• Prepare and submit customer insurance claim forms
• Stock shelves and audit and control inventory

Due to the nature of their profession, pharmacy technicians will spend the majority of their working day standing. And working weekends and evenings is also typical, especially for newer technicians with low seniority. But the reward for occasional tired and aching feet or occasionally having to work after hours is an extremely satisfying career helping people with their health and well-being.

Pharmacy Technician Diplomas and Degrees

Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are basically 2 alternatives to training to be a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which typically can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs present an introduction to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also require an internship at an approved Valencia CA pharmacy or similar facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which normally involves about 2 years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more extensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education in the future. Either program should furnish the proper amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

Certification is not required in all states, but many graduates of pharmacy tech programs choose to get certified in order to be more competitive when seeking employment. Also, many Valencia CA employers will only employ a tech that has earned certification. There are two organizations that provide certification:

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

The NHA requires that the candidate be 18 years or older, has graduated from high school, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB only requires that the candidate has a high school diploma and passes their examination. Recertification is mandated every two years by each program, which can be fulfilled by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Schools Online

Prior to deciding on a pharmacy tech online training program, it's important to realize that most schools do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical environment. This is usually fulfilled in an area Valencia pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy tech so as to obtain some real world experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training may be taken online in your Valencia CA home or via any available computer. This alternative is more practical for many students, particularly for those who keep working while earning their certificate or degree. And online programs are often more affordable than traditional options. Tuition and costs for driving and study materials can be reduced 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 confirm that each online school you are reviewing is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to study with a less structured form of education, then online training may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Pharmacy Tech Programs

Once you have decided whether you would like to earn a degree or a certificate, and if you prefer to enroll in an online program or go to classes on campus, you can start to target your school options. There are numerous pharmacist technician schools to select from in the Valencia CA area and throughout the USA, so you must create a list of qualifying questions so that you can contrast colleges and technical schools. As we covered in our introduction, you will undoubtedly initially look for programs that are within both your financial budget and driving distance from your Valencia home. If you are willing to relocate or are have decided to enroll in an online pharmacy tech school, then location may not be critical. But there are several other issues that you need to consider so that you may effectively compare schools. The following questions will assist you in collecting that information and help you to make your ultimate selection.

Is the Pharmacy Technician College Accredited? Most pharmacist technician programs and trade schools have obtained a national or regional accreditation. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Schools earning accreditation from the ASHP have been screened and verified to furnish a comprehensive superior education. Online schools may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals exclusively with distance or online education. Make sure to verify that the degree or certificate program together with the college you choose are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. In addition to helping ensure that you obtain a superior education, it might assist in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Also, certification may mandate that the program of training is accredited. And many Valencia CA employers will only hire entry level employees that have earned a degree from an accredited school.

Does the Program Ready You for Certification? Certification is not mandated in all states, but many employers prefer that the technicians they hire are certified. The pharmacy tech school should prep its students to pass the NHA or the PTCB exam. Students planning on obtaining NHA certification will additionally need 1 year of work experience. This requirement may be met by participating in a school sponsored internship program.

Does the College Offer Internship Programs? As we previously discussed, the NHA mandates a year of professional experience for certification, which may be fulfilled by means of an internship program. One of the best ways to obtain practical clinical experience as a pharmacy tech is to train out in the field. Most pharmacy technician degree or certificate programs also require practical training in order to graduate and an internship is an excellent way to satisfy the requirement. Check if the programs have associations with Valencia CA area pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics for internship programs.

Does the College Give Job Placement Help? Getting that first position in Valencia CA after graduation, especially with no prior experience, can be a difficult undertaking without some help. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs. If they do, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher job placement rate is an indication that the school has an excellent reputation within the field generating appeal for its graduates. It also signifies that it has a large network of employer relationships where it can refer graduates.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Valencia CA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don't reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the pharmacist technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the pharmacy technician school you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Valencia CA area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Find Out More on How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Valencia

Choose the Best Valencia Pharmacy Tech Program

Receiving the ideal pharmacy technician training is a critical first step to beginning your career in a rewarding occupation where assisting people with their wellness is your purpose. In the past, most pharmacy technicians were trained "on the job". These days, most pharmacists can no longer afford to do this and much prefer to hire formally educated technicians. Training is provided by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. A large number of pharmacy tech schools incorporate both laboratory and classroom work. As we have addressed in this article, it's essential to select a program that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This is true both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. If you make use of our additional suggestions you will be able to compare colleges so that you are certain to make the ideal selection. With the proper training and determination you can achieve your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Valencia California.

 

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