Pharmacy Tech Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Greenfield Wisconsin

Now it’s time to select and enroll in a pharmacy technician certificate or degree program near Greenfield WI so you can receive the proper training to begin a career in the rewarding field of medicine. But just how do you go about evaluating and comparing colleges so that you subsequently pick the ideal one? A number of future students begin by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their residence, and then comparing the cost. While cost and location are critical concerns when picking a school, they are not the sole ones. Job placement and intership programs in addition to accreditation are just as important if not more so as cost and location. And if you are interested in studying in your home in front of your computer rather than in a classroom, then finding an accredited online program will also be part of your vetting process. We will cover these qualifiers and some others that you will want 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 courses.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Pharmacy Tech Career Below

Pharmacy Tech Certificates and Degrees

Individuals desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech program are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are essentially two alternatives to training to be a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to attain a diploma or a certificate, which usually can be completed in a year or less. These programs offer an introduction to the different aspects of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and typically include classroom and lab training. A number of programs also require an internship at an accepted Greenfield WI pharmacy or other facility. The second alternative is the Associate Degree program which generally involves about two years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does offer a more comprehensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education in the future. Each program should furnish the proper level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered

It is not required to earn certification in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician colleges elect to get certified in order to be more qualified in the job market. Also, a number of Greenfield WI pharmacies 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 requirements are that the candidate be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of professional experience. The PTCB just requires that the applicant has a high school diploma and passes their exam. Recertification is mandated every two years by both programs, which can be satisfied by completing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Classes

Prior to choosing a pharmacist tech online school, it's necessary to understand that most programs do require that a substantial part of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is typically satisfied in a local Greenfield pharmacy or hospital by means of an internship program. Students often will have the opportunity to work with a seasoned pharmacy tech so as to get some work place experience. Fortunately the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed over the internet in your Greenfield WI home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for many students, especially for those who keep working while acquiring their certificate or degree. And online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional options. Tuition and costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased significantly. With both the online and the clinical training, a complete education is offered. But not all online programs are accredited, which is critical for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So verify that each online program you are looking at is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are disciplined enough to study with a less structured form of education, then online training may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Pharmacy Technician 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 college or attend classes on campus, you can begin to target your school options. There are numerous pharmacy technician programs to choose from in the Greenfield WI area and throughout the USA, so you need to create a list of qualifying questions so that you can contrast colleges and trade schools. As we covered in our introduction, you will undoubtedly first start looking for programs that are within both your financial resources and driving distance from your Greenfield home. If you are able to move or are have decided to enroll in an online pharmacy tech college, then location may not be critical. But there are many other variables that you must consider so that you may properly compare colleges. The questions below will assist you in collecting that information and help you to make your final choice.

Is the Pharmacy Tech College Accredited? Many pharmacist technician programs 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). Colleges earning accreditation from the ASHP have been screened and certified to provide a complete quality education. Online colleges may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals exclusively with distance or online education. Don't forget to check that the certificate or degree program together with the school you choose are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Along with helping ensure that you get a superior education, it might help in acquiring financial assistance or student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, certification might mandate that the program of training is accredited. And many Greenfield WI employers will only hire entry level employees that have graduated from an accredited program.

Does the School Prepare You for Certification? Certification is not required in every state, but a number of pharmacies desire that the technicians they employ be certified. The pharmacy technician school needs to prep its students to pass the NHA or the PTCB examination. Students interested in obtaining NHA certification will also need 1 year of job experience. This requirement may be satisfied by taking part in a college sponsored internship program.

Does the College Provide Internship Programs? As we previously covered, the NHA requires 1 year of professional experience for certification, which can be fulfilled by means of an internship program. One of the best ways to obtain 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 an excellent way to meet the requirement. Find out if the schools have a working relationship with Greenfield WI area pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics for internship programs.

Does the College Give Job Placement Assistance? Finding that first job in Greenfield WI after graduation, especially with no prior experience, can be a difficult endeavor without some help. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher job placement rate is an indicator that the college has a good reputation within the field creating demand for its graduates. It also signifies that it has a substantial network of employer contacts where it can place graduates.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Greenfield WI home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously 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 college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don't reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacist technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the pharmacy tech program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Greenfield WI area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Learn More on How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Greenfield

Choose the Right Greenfield Pharmacy Tech Program

Getting the best pharmacy tech training is an important first step to beginning your career in a gratifying occupation where helping customers with their wellness is your objective. In the past, many pharmacist technicians were taught "on the job". Nowadays, the majority of employers can no longer operate this way and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated technicians. Training is provided by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. Many pharmacy tech schools include both clinical and classroom training. As we have addressed in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a school that is accredited and will prep you for certification. This holds true both for online classes as well as for those attended on campus. If you make use of our other tips you will be able to evaluate programs so that you are sure to make the right choice. With the proper education and dedication you can realize your goal to become a pharmacy technician in Greenfield Wisconsin.

 

Greenfield Pharmacy Technician Programs | Greenfield Pharmacy Technician Classes