Pharmacy Tech School
How to Find the Right One Near Mequon Wisconsin
Having made the decision to earn your pharmacy technician degree or certificate near Mequon WI, you may be wondering just how to select the right school to receive your education and training. Of course the initial step is to locate schools that offer the degree or certificate that you are interested in. Many prospective students start by looking for schools that are within commuting distance of their home, and then comparing the cost. While tuition and location are critical factors when selecting a school, they are not the sole ones. Internship and job placement programs as well as accreditation are just as important if not more so as location and cost. And if you prefer attending classes at home by means of your computer rather than in a classroom, then searching for an accredited online college will also be included in your vetting process. We will address these qualifications and some others that you will need to include when reviewing pharmacy technician schools. But to begin with, let's take a look at what a pharmacy technician does, the degree and certification options available, and the benefits of online classes.
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Pharmacy Technician Job Responsibilities
Pharmacy techs have numerous job responsibilities, but their main duty is to dispense prescription medicines. Since they are not licensed, when dispensing prescriptions they must work under the supervision of a licensed Mequon WI pharmacist. They must also have good customer service abilities because they will be dealing directly with customers. Their attention to detail must be precise when filling prescription drugs per the pharmacist's directions. And they need to have an in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical terms so that they may assist customers with understanding instructions for their medications as well as other pharmaceutical information and literature. On the other hand, under no circumstance should they ever give medical advice relating to medications or anything else. Any such questions should be directed to the pharmacist. Several of the regular daily functions a pharmacy technician may carry out are:
- Welcome and help customers with medications and other questions
- Prepare prescription medications under pharmacist supervision
- Add customer and prescription data into pharmacy computer system
- Call customers when their medications are prepared for pick-up
- Complete and submit customer insurance claim forms
- Stock shelves and monitor and manage 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 very common, particularly for newer technicians with low seniority. But the reward for occasional tired and aching feet or occasionally having to work off-hours is a very rewarding career helping people with their health and well-being.
Pharmacy Tech Degrees and Diplomas
Students desiring to enroll in a pharmacy tech program are qualified provided that they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are basically two options to becoming a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a vocational school. The first is to attain a certificate or a diploma, which typically can be completed in a year or less. These programs present an introduction to the different elements of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and normally include lab and classroom training. Numerous programs also include an internship at an approved Mequon WI pharmacy or similar facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which generally takes about 2 years of studies. Although not needed for most entry level positions, it does furnish a more in depth education and can lead to more advanced positions or education down the road. Either program can provide the necessary amount of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate decide to become certified.
Pharmacy Tech Certification Options
Certification is not required in all states, but numerous graduates of pharmacy technician schools elect to get certified in order to be more competitive when seeking employment. Additionally, many Mequon WI pharmacies will only hire a technician that has earned certification. There are 2 organizations that offer certification:
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
The NHA requires that the applicant be 18 years or older, has graduated from high school, has completed a training program, and has at least one year of professional experience. The PTCB only requires that the applicant has a high school diploma and passes their exam. Recertification is required every two years by both programs, which can be fulfilled by completing 20 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacy Technician Colleges Online
Prior to selecting a pharmacist technician online school, it's important to understand that the majority of programs do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical setting. This is usually satisfied in an area Mequon pharmacy or health center by means of an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working under an experienced pharmacy tech in order to receive some real world experience. However the non-clinical portion of the training may be taken online in your Mequon WI home or via any available computer. This alternative is more practical for most students, notably for those who keep working while attaining their degree or certificate. And online programs are sometimes more affordable than classroom options. Tuition and costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced substantially. With both the clinical and the online training, a comprehensive education is offered. But not all online programs are accredited, which is essential for securing certification and employment (more on accreditation later). So confirm that any online program you are looking at 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 formal type of education, then online instruction may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Pharmacy Technician Programs
After you have determined whether you want to attain a degree or a certificate, and if you want to enroll in an online college or attend classes on campus, you can start to narrow your school options. There are numerous pharmacist tech schools to select from in the Mequon WI area and throughout the United States, so you should develop a list of qualifying questions so that you can compare community colleges and vocational schools. As we covered in our introduction, you will undoubtedly first start looking for schools that are within both your financial resources and commuting distance from your Mequon home. If you are willing to relocate or are going to enroll in an online pharmacy tech college, then location may not be important. But there are a number of other issues that you must take into consideration so that you may properly compare programs. The questions below will help you to gather that information and help you to make your final decision.
Is the Pharmacy Tech College Accredited? The majority of pharmacist technician colleges and vocational schools have acquired 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 certified to offer a comprehensive superior education. Online schools may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals solely with distance or online education. Don't forget to confirm that the degree or certificate program together with the college you choose are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Along with helping guarantee that you receive a quality education, it can assist in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, certification might mandate that the training program is accredited. And many Mequon WI 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 required in all states, but numerous pharmacies prefer that the technicians they employ be certified. The pharmacy technician school should prepare its students to pass the PTCB or the NHA examination. Students planning on obtaining NHA certification will additionally need one year of job experience. This qualification can be fulfilled by entering a school sponsored internship program.
Does the School Sponsor Internship Programs? As we previously covered, the NHA mandates 1 year of job experience for certification, which can be fulfilled through an internship program. Perhaps the best way to acquire hands on clinical experience as a pharmacy technician is to work out in the field. Most pharmacy technician certificate or degree programs also require practical training in order to graduate and an internship is an excellent way to fulfill the requirement. Find out if the colleges have a working relationship with Mequon WI area pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals for internship programs.
Does the College Offer Job Placement Assistance? Securing that initial position in Mequon WI after graduation, particularly with no professional experience, can be a challenging task without some support. Ask if the colleges 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 an excellent reputation within the profession generating demand for its graduates. It also means that it has a sizable network of employer relationships where it can place graduating students.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Mequon WI residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble 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 choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly 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 prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacist technician program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the pharmacist technician school you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Mequon WI area, check that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More on Becoming a Pharmacy Tech in Mequon
Choose the Right Mequon Pharmacy Tech School
Getting the best pharmacy tech training is a critical first step to starting your career in a gratifying profession where assisting people with their health is your mission. In the past, many pharmacy technicians were taught "on the job". These days, most pharmacists can no longer afford to do this and place a higher importance on hiring formally educated technicians. Training is furnished by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. Many pharmacy technician programs incorporate both laboratory and classroom training. As we have addressed in this article, it's necessary to enroll in a school that is accredited and will prepare you for certification. This applies both for classes online as well as for those attended on campus. If you follow our additional tips you will be able to compare programs so that you are sure to make the best selection. With the right training and determination you can reach your goal to become a pharmacy tech in Mequon Wisconsin.
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