Pharmacy Tech Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Mequon Wisconsin

It’s time to select and enroll in a pharmacy tech certificate or degree program near Mequon WI so you can get the right training to begin a career in the rewarding profession of medicine. But just how do you approach comparing and evaluating schools so that you subsequently enroll in the right one? Many prospective students start by looking for schools that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the tuitions. While cost and location are important concerns when choosing a college, they are not the only ones. Qualifications such as accreditation and reputation should be considered also. And if you prefer attending classes in your home in front of your computer rather than in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online school will also be included in 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 what a pharmacy tech does, the degree and certification options available, and the advantages of online classes.

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Pharmacy Technician Job Responsibilities

Pharmacy techs have multiple job responsibilities, but their principal duty is to dispense prescription medications. Since they are not licensed, when dispensing prescriptions they must operate under the management of a licensed Mequon WI pharmacist. They must also have excellent customer service abilities since they will be interacting directly with customers. Their attention to detail must be accurate when filling prescription drugs per the pharmacist's directions. And they must have an in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical terms in order that they may assist customers with understanding directions for their prescriptions in addition to other pharmaceutical literature and information. However, under no circumstance should they ever give medical advice concerning prescriptions or anything else. All such questions would be directed to the pharmacist. Some of the typical daily tasks a pharmacy tech might carry out are:

• Receive and help customers with medications and other questions
• Dispense prescription medications under pharmacist guidance
• Input prescription and customer information into pharmacy computer system
• Contact customers when their medications are prepared for pick-up
• Complete and submit customer insurance claim forms
• Re-supply shelves and audit and control inventory

Due to the nature of their profession, pharmacy techs will spend most of their working day on their feet. And working evenings and weekends is also typical, particularly for newer techs with low seniority. But the reward for occasional tired and aching feet or occasionally having to work off-hours is an extremely fulfilling career assisting customers with their health and wellness.

Pharmacy Tech Degrees and Certificates

Individuals wishing to enroll in a pharmacy tech college are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are generally 2 alternatives to training to be a technician whether you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to attain a diploma or a certificate, which normally can be finished in a year or less. These programs provide an overview to the different facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and normally include lab and classroom training. A number of programs also require an internship at an accepted Mequon WI pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which typically requires about 2 years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more extensive education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can provide the necessary level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination should the graduate choose to become certified.

Pharmacy Tech Certification Options

It is not required to earn certification in every state, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy technician schools choose to become certified so as to be more qualified in the job market. Additionally, a number of Mequon WI employers will only employ a technician that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that provide certification:

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

The NHA requires that the candidate be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate, has completed a training program, and has one or more years of professional experience. The PTCB just requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is mandated every two years by each program, which may be met by performing 20 hours of continuing education.

Pharmacy Technician Online Programs

Prior to selecting a pharmacist tech online program, it's important to understand that most schools do require that a substantial part of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is typically satisfied in a local Mequon pharmacy or hospital through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working with an experienced pharmacy tech so as to acquire some real world experience. However the balance or non-clinical training may be taken over the internet in your Mequon WI home or via any available computer. This option is more practical for many students, especially for those who continue to work while acquiring their degree or certificate. And online schools are sometimes more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and costs for driving and course materials may be reduced substantially. With both the clinical and the online training, a complete education is offered. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is important for obtaining certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So confirm that each online college you are considering is accredited by an acknowledged accrediting organization, for instance 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 best solution for you.

What to Ask Pharmacy Technician Programs

Once you have determined whether you wish to obtain a degree or a certificate, and if you prefer to enroll in an online program or attend classes on campus, you can begin to narrow your school alternatives. There are numerous pharmacy tech colleges to choose from in the Mequon WI area and throughout the United States, so you need to create 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 colleges that are within both your financial budget and commuting distance from your Mequon home. If you are willing to move or are going to enroll in an online pharmacy tech school, then location may not be significant. But there are a number of other variables that you must take into consideration so that you may effectively compare colleges. The questions below will assist you in collecting that information and help you to make your final selection.

Is the Pharmacy Technician Program Accredited? Most pharmacist technician programs and trade schools have earned a regional or national accreditation. Among 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 provide a complete quality education. Online schools may additionally obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals solely with online or distance learning. Make sure to verify that the certificate or degree program in addition to the college you choose are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Besides helping guarantee that you obtain a superior education, it can assist in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Also, certification may require that the program of training is accredited. And a number of Mequon WI pharmacies will only hire entry level employees that have graduated from an accredited program.

Does the Program Prep You for Certification? Certification is not required in every state, but many employers prefer that the technicians they employ be certified. The pharmacist technician college should ready its students to pass the NHA or the PTCB examination. Students planning on obtaining NHA certification will also need one year of job experience. This qualification can be fulfilled by participating in a college sponsored internship program.

Does the School Provide Internship Programs? As we previously covered, the NHA requires a year of professional experience for certification, which can be met with an internship program. One of the best ways to get hands on clinical experience as a pharmacy technician is to train out in the field. Most pharmacy technician degree or certificate programs also require clinical training prior to graduation and an internship is an excellent way to meet the requirement. Find out if the programs have a working relationship with Mequon WI area pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals for internship programs.

Does the College Give Job Placement Help? Securing that initial position in Mequon WI upon graduation, particularly with no experience, can be a daunting endeavor without any assistance. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs. If they do, ask what their job placement rates are. A high job placement rate is an indicator that the school has an excellent reputation within the profession generating appeal for its graduates. It also indicates that it has a large network of pharmacy relationships where it can place graduating students.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Mequon WI home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don't reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the schools you are considering 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 talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the pharmacist tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the pharmacist tech program you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Mequon WI area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Learn More about Becoming a Pharmacy Tech in Mequon

Choose the Right Mequon Pharmacy Tech School

Getting the best pharmacy technician training is a critical first step to launching your career in a gratifying profession where assisting customers with their wellness is your mission. Traditionally, most pharmacist technicians were taught "on the job". These days, most pharmacies can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained techs. Training is furnished by vocational and trade schools, technical colleges as well as community colleges. A large number of pharmacy tech programs include both clinical and classroom work. As we have covered in this article, it's essential to enroll in a school that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This is true both for classes online and for those attended on campus. If you follow our other suggestions you will be able to evaluate schools so that you are certain to make the ideal selection. With the proper training and dedication you can realize your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Mequon Wisconsin.

 

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