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Questions to Ask Pharmacy Tech Programs
After you have decided whether you would like to obtain 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 narrow your school alternatives. There are a large number of pharmacy technician schools to choose from in the Beloit WI area and throughout the United States, so you need to create a list of qualifying questions so that you can compare community colleges and trade schools. As we covered in our introduction, you will probably initially look for colleges that are within both your financial resources and driving distance from your Beloit home. If you are willing to relocate or are going to enroll in an online pharmacy tech program, then location may not be important. But there are a number of other factors that you must take into consideration in order to effectively compare schools. The questions below will help you to gather that information and help you to make your final selection.
Is the Pharmacy Tech Program Accredited? Most pharmacy tech programs and vocational schools have acquired a regional or national accreditation. One of the most respected accrediting agencies is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Programs earning accreditation from the ASHP have been evaluated and certified to offer a complete superior education. Online schools may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals solely with distance or online learning. Make sure to verify that the degree or certificate program as well as the school you pick are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Along with helping ensure that you receive a quality education, it might assist in acquiring financial assistance or student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, certification may mandate that the program of training is accredited. And a number of Beloit WI pharmacies will only hire entry level employees that have earned a degree from an accredited school.
Does the School Prepare You for Certification? Certification is not required in all states, but a number of employers desire that the techs they employ be certified. The pharmacy tech college needs to prep its students to pass the PTCB or the NHA examination. Students planning on obtaining NHA certification will also need one year of work experience. This qualification may be fulfilled by entering a college sponsored internship program.
Does the School Provide Internship Programs? As we previously covered, the NHA mandates a year of job experience for certification, which can be met by means of an internship program. One of the best ways to acquire hands on clinical experience as a pharmacy tech is to work out in the field. Most pharmacy tech degree or certificate programs also require practical training prior to graduation and an internship is a great way to satisfy the requirement. Ask if the schools have associations with Beloit WI area pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals for internship programs.
Does the College Offer Job Placement Assistance? Finding that first position in Beloit WI upon graduation, especially with no prior experience, can be a difficult undertaking without any help. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher job placement rate is an indication that the school has a good reputation within the field generating demand for its graduates. It also means that it has a large network of employer contacts where it can refer graduates.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Beloit WI residence. Individuals who have opted 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 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 might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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 kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the pharmacist technician school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Beloit WI area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option 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 may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.