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What to Ask Pharmacy Tech Colleges
Once you have decided whether you want to attain a certificate or degree, and if you want to enroll in an online program or go to classes on campus, you can begin to narrow your school options. There are numerous pharmacy tech programs to pick from in the Yuba City CA area and throughout the USA, so you need to develop a list of qualifying questions so that you can contrast colleges and trade schools. As we discussed in our introduction, you will probably initially look for programs that are within both your financial budget and commuting distance from your Yuba City residence. If you are willing to move or are going to enroll in an online pharmacy tech school, then location may not be critical. But there are several other factors that you should consider in order to effectively compare schools. The questions below will assist you in collecting that information and help you to make your ultimate selection.
Is the Pharmacy Technician School Accredited? Many pharmacy tech programs and trade schools have obtained a national or regional accreditation. Among the most respected accrediting organizations is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Programs earning accreditation from the ASHP have been evaluated and certified to provide a complete superior education. Online colleges may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals only with distance or online learning. Don't forget to check that the degree or certificate program together with the college you choose are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Along with helping guarantee that you get a quality education, it can help in securing financial assistance or student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, certification might mandate that the program of training is accredited. And many Yuba City CA employers will only hire entry level employees that have graduated from an accredited program.
Does the College Prep You for Certification? Certification is not required in every state, but many employers prefer that the technicians they hire be certified. The pharmacist technician program needs to prepare its students to pass the PTCB or the NHA exam. Students interested in obtaining NHA certification will also need 1 year of professional experience. This requirement may be satisfied by taking part in a school sponsored internship program.
Does the College Offer Internship Programs? As we just covered, the NHA mandates one year of professional experience for certification, which can be fulfilled through an internship program. Perhaps the best way to get 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 schools have associations with Yuba City CA area pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals for internship programs.
Does the College Provide Job Placement Assistance? Getting that first job in Yuba City CA after graduation, especially with no professional experience, can be a difficult undertaking without some assistance. Find out if the colleges you are researching 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 college has a good reputation within the profession creating appeal for its graduates. It also signifies that it has a substantial network of employer contacts where it can refer graduating students.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Yuba City CA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacist tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the pharmacist tech school you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Yuba City CA area, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.