Pharmacy Tech Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Stevens Point Wisconsin
Having decided to attain your pharmacy tech degree or certificate near Stevens Point WI, you may be thinking about just how to select the right college to receive your education and training. But just how do you go about comparing and evaluating colleges so that you subsequently pick the ideal one? A number of potential students begin by searching for colleges that are within driving distance of their residence, and then comparing the tuitions. While cost and location are important factors when deciding on a college, they are not the sole ones. Qualifications including reputation and accreditation need to be evaluated as well. And if you are interested in attending classes 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 address these qualifications and others that you will need to include when comparing pharmacy technician schools. But first, let's take a look at the diploma and degree options available, and the advantages of online programs.
It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Pharmacy Tech Career Below
Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
Individuals desiring to enroll in a pharmacy technician college are qualified as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. There are basically two alternatives to becoming a tech regardless if you enroll in a community college or a trade school. The first is to earn a diploma or a certificate, which usually can be accomplished in a year or less. These programs present an introduction to the various facets of pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology and usually include classroom and lab training. Numerous programs also include an internship at an accepted Stevens Point WI pharmacy or other facility. The second option is the Associate Degree program which typically takes about two years of studies. Although not required for most entry level positions, it does offer a more comprehensive education and opens doors to more advanced positions or education down the road. Each program should furnish the proper level of training to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam should the graduate decide to get certified.
Pharmacy Technician Certifications Offered
Certification is not required in all states, but a large number of graduates of pharmacy tech schools elect to get certified in order to be more qualified in the job market. Additionally, many Stevens Point WI employers will only employ 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, has graduated from high school, has finished a training program, and has at least one year of work experience. The PTCB just requires that the candidate has graduated high school and passes their examination. Recertification is called for every two years by both programs, which may be fulfilled by performing 20 hours of continuing education.
Pharmacy Tech Classes Online
Before choosing a pharmacist tech online training program, it's important to understand that most schools do require a portion of the training be carried out in a clinical environment. This is typically satisfied in a local Stevens Point pharmacy or health center through an internship program. Students in most cases will have the benefit of working with a seasoned pharmacy technician so as to obtain some real world experience. However the balance or non-clinical training can be accessed over the internet in your Stevens Point WI home or via any available computer. This option is more accommodating for most students, particularly for those who continue to work while earning their degree or certificate. And online colleges are frequently less expensive than classroom options. Tuition and expenses for driving and study materials can be reduced significantly. With both the clinical and the online training, a comprehensive education is provided. But not all online colleges are accredited, which is important for securing employment and certification (more on accreditation later). So check that each online college you are looking at is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, for instance the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). If you are dedicated enough to learn with a less supervised form of education, then online classes may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask Pharmacy Tech Schools
Once you have determined whether you wish to attain a certificate or degree, and if you prefer to enroll in an online college or go to classes on campus, you can start to target your school alternatives. There are many pharmacy tech colleges to select from in the Stevens Point WI area and throughout the USA, so you must create a list of qualifying questions so that you can compare colleges and trade schools. As we discussed in our introduction, you will most likely first start looking for programs that are within both your financial budget and commuting distance from your Stevens Point residence. If you are willing to move or are have decided to enroll in an online pharmacy tech school, then location may not be important. But there are several other variables that you should consider in order to adequately compare schools. The following questions will help you to gather that information and help you to make your ultimate choice.
Is the Pharmacy Technician Program Accredited? Most pharmacy technician colleges and trade schools have obtained a regional or national accreditation. One of the most respected accrediting organizations is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Programs earning accreditation from the ASHP have been screened and certified to provide a comprehensive quality education. Online programs may additionally earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which deals only with online or distance education. Don't forget to check that the certificate or degree program together with the school you pick are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Besides helping make sure that you get a quality education, it might assist in getting financial aid or student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, certification may mandate that the program of training is accredited. And many Stevens Point WI pharmacies will only hire entry level employees that have earned a degree from an accredited school.
Does the Program Prep You for Certification? Certification is not mandated in every state, but a number of employers desire that the technicians they employ be certified. The pharmacist technician school should ready its students to pass the PTCB or the NHA examination. Students planning on obtaining NHA certification will additionally need one year of professional experience. This requirement may be met by taking part in a school sponsored internship program.
Does the College Offer Internship Programs? As we just covered, the NHA requires a year of experience for certification, which can be met by means of an internship program. Perhaps the best way to obtain hands on clinical experience as a pharmacy technician is to train out in the field. Most pharmacy tech 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 programs have associations with Stevens Point WI area pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals for internship programs.
Does the College Give Job Placement Assistance? Getting that first job in Stevens Point WI upon graduation, particularly with no prior experience, can be a difficult task without any assistance. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs. If they do, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher job placement rate is an indication that the college has a good reputation within the field creating appeal for its graduates. It also indicates that it has a substantial network of employer contacts where it can place graduating students.
Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Stevens Point WI home. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the pharmacy technician college you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Stevens Point WI area, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More about Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Stevens Point
Enroll in the Right Stevens Point Pharmacy Tech School
Receiving the ideal pharmacy technician training is an important first step to beginning your career in a fulfilling profession where helping customers with their health is your purpose. Traditionally, most pharmacy techs were taught "on the job". Nowadays, most employers can no longer operate this way and place a higher importance on hiring formally trained techs. Training is provided by technical colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well as community colleges. The majority of pharmacist technician schools include both clinical and classroom work. As we have covered 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 other tips you will be able to compare colleges so that you are sure to make the right selection. With the appropriate training and commitment you can reach your goal to become a pharmacy technician in Stevens Point Wisconsin.
Stevens Point Pharmacy Technician Certificate Online | Stevens Point Pharmacy Technician Programs