In order to have a great start at pharmacy schools, most prospective applicants first receive formal training at a pharmacy technician school. Most opt for a one-year certification or diploma program, but associate degree programs are also available. This article aims to provide a complete guide to becoming a pharmacy technician, as well as the best pharmacy technician schools in the world. But before we go into that fully, you need to understand some other important factors. Such as information on education and certification, specific pharmacy tech requirements, pharmacy technician salaries, and job prospects.
Why Study Pharmacy Technician?
Basically, Pharmacy technicians are responsible for filling prescriptions, organizing inventory, handling insurance claims/payments. And also by working with clients to make sure they understand their medications and instructions. Above all, Pharmacy technicians (also called pharmacy techs) are an integral part of any pharmacy team. I believe you must have probably seen these associated health professionals working with pharmacists in retail stores. But they are also in hospitals and pharmacies in long-term care facilities. When it comes to changing careers, you’ll always want to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. You must be sure that if you are going to make sacrifices, you are working to achieve something worthwhile. There are many reasons to become a pharmacy technician, including job security and a good salary. Also, it’s a rewarding and satisfying career. Firstly, some choose a career as a pharmacy technician, as this can be a great first step in becoming a certified pharmacist. More training is needed to become a certified pharmacist, but pharmacy technicians analyze tasks more closely and can gain valuable experience. Secondly, others are attracted to the profession of pharmacy technician because it offers the opportunity to work in the health industry without having to perform clinical tasks. There is no blood or fracture to handle. However, pharmacy technicians play an important role in the health industry. Thirdly, the health care industry is growing rapidly and careers in this labor sector generally pay more than the national average salary. A pharmacy technician works in the health care industry and benefits from rapid growth, but there is no need to go to school for several years, as is the case with other careers in the health industry. Another advantage of being a pharmacy technician is that it offers the opportunity to work closely with a variety of people. Pharmacy technicians not only work closely with a licensed pharmacist but also work with a variety of clients, helping them make prescription orders and submit insurance forms. Find Out More Here on How You Can I Become a Pharmacy Technician?
How Long Does it Take to be a Pharmacy Technician?
Frankly, a Pharmacy Technician occupies a position that requires great precision and attention to detail. As well as an understanding of basic pharmacology, experience in the distribution of medications. And a thorough knowledge of legislation and pharmaceutical ethics. So how long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? Not as much as most people think! In fact, with the pharmacy technician flexible online course, you can complete your training and start applying for a job in just four months. To be effective and excel in their work, pharmacy technicians must have at least formal training. But how long is a school of pharmacy technicians? A traditional university establishment with standardized courses may take up to two years to complete. However, you can take an accelerated route and complete your pharmacy training through an accredited online program. The first step in starting a career as a pharmacy technician is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent from GED. With basic education, you can qualify for job training. Some states require pharmacy technicians to have this formal training or pass a national certification exam. However, there is a standard age requirement to become a certified pharmacy technician. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification has a minimum age requirement of 18 years and requires applicants to have a high school diploma, complete a formal training program and have at least 1 year of work experience before they can take the certification exam. Certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires that pharmacy technicians have a high school diploma and pass a certification exam. In Case Pharmacy is What You Are Interested in, Then Check Out These 13 Best Pharmacy Schools in the World | 2020
How to Study for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam?
Pharmacy technicians are licensed state by state, so it is essential that anyone who pursues this career becomes familiar with the licensing requirements in their own state. Prospective applicants should also be informed that state regulations can change, so it is advisable to request confirmation of the requirements of a given state before enrolling in a pharmacy technician training program. However, some states accept or require certification from a nationally recognized organization as part of their registration or licensing process. The NHA offers the Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification, which is accredited by the National Commission of Certification Agencies. The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) offers its own certification exam, which includes a criminal background check followed by an exam. While the PTCB and the NHA require certified pharmacy technicians to maintain their certification with approved continuing education courses throughout their careers. Meanwhile, certification is not required in some states, but most employers prefer pharmacy technicians to be certified. An online technical certification program for pharmacies must provide comprehensive training to prepare a student to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Hence, people interested in the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification must have at least one year of work experience, which can be obtained through an internship program offered by the school. Finally, pharmacy technicians must re-certify every 2 years to make sure they are up to date with changes and advances in medical care that affect their field of practice. You can do this by completing 20 hours of continuing education to make sure your skills are up to date. In Case You Want To Study Pharmacy in California, Then Check Out These 13 Pharmacy Schools In California 2020
What Does a Pharmacy Technician School Cost?
The cost of your pharmacy technician diploma will vary mainly according to factors: the type of program (online or on-campus) and its duration. Online schools are significantly cheaper because the cost of obtaining such a diploma is low for the school. Firstly, they do not need to pay for the equipment, to enter into contracts with pharmacies so that their students are placed there for an internship, etc. At the same time, they offer a well-designed program and offer all the benefits of learning at your own pace: you can combine your training with a full-time job. The pharmacy technician degree at that school generally costs $500 to $800 and takes up to 6 months to complete. On-campus schools are more expensive but have a number of very significant advantages. First, they combine theory with practical training in real life. Most importantly, they have much better facilities and training at that school generally works better. These schools have concluded agreements with pharmacies, hospitals, and other local establishments where their students receive practical training. In Case You Want To Study Pharmacy in Canada, then Check Out These List of Pharmacy Schools in Canada for Masters (MSc) Students
What is a Pharmacy Technician Salary?
Pharmacy technicians are essential for the daily operations of any pharmacy, nursing home or hospital. They work in a wide range of environments and their functions vary by the workplace. This means that the expected salary of a pharmacy technician varies considerably according to education, experience, and workplace. According to the most recent data published in the Occupational Outlook Manual of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $ 31,750. Depending on where you work, your salary may increase, as rates may be higher in outpatient services and in hospitals than in supermarkets or pharmacies. A full-time pharmacy technician will usually be offered a benefits package that includes medical care, paid license and sick leave, and a 401 (k) plan. In Case You Want To Study Pharmacy in UK, then Check Out These Cheapest Pharmacy Schools In The UK
What are the Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the World?
Indeed, it is useful if you are in a college or university that stands out in Pharmacy Technician and can make the whole process more bearable. There are a good number of Pharmacy Technician Schools in the world, but knowing the best is what really matters. To help you find one, we have compiled a list of top and best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the world. And we will be stating a full detail of our 2020 ranking criteria. Now You Know The School To Study, Check Out These Masters Scholarships for Pharmacy Students Number of Programs: We consider these as one important criterion for ranking the best Pharmacy Technician Colleges. Because some of these schools can have a good number of programs they offer. Accreditation: This criterion is very much important because a school can be cheap but yet do not have quality. So, we consider the body of accreditation as well as certification for each of these schools before ranking them. Whether they fall in the category of regional or national accreditation. Acceptance Rate: This is one aspect that is considered important because of the lower the acceptance rate, the better the school. Graduation & Employment Rate: Here, we consider if these schools have a high tendency of graduating their students. Some can get enrolled but get stuck at the end. Also, we put into consideration whether school graduates are employable by great institutions. These factors are equally very much important.
List of 13 Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the World
We have compiled a list of top and best Pharmacy Technician Colleges in the world. And we will be stating a full detail of our 2020 ranking criteria.
So, here is a list of Best and Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in the world, with their acceptance rate, graduation rate, and the number of programs they offer.
#1. National University College
The Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician will train the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a pharmacy technician, always under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The graduate of this program can work in pharmacies and hospitals, as a pharmacy technician in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Board of Pharmacy of Puerto Rico. Finally, the institution is authorized by the Board of Education of Puerto Rico to offer certification programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and masters, through certifications.
#2. Florida Vocational Institute
This program prepares students for a position as a pharmacy technician. A diploma will be awarded at the end of this program. In the Pharmacy Technicians Training Program of the Florida Vocational Institute (FVI), we can provide you with the skills you need to enter this industry and prosper. The pharmacy technician program provides instructions on how to help the pharmacist pack and dispense medications. Graduates can find employment in hospitals (private and government), nursing homes, private and chain pharmacies. As well as drug manufacturers, wholesale pharmacies and health maintenance organizations. Students will also study the professional and technical skills necessary for direct employment as a pharmacy technician. Once you have completed our FVI approved training program, you can obtain certification by passing a certification exam approved by the State Board of Pharmacy in Florida. You can only take this exam after completing your FVI training courses. To prepare for certification, the FVI offers you 40 hours of preparation to make sure you’re prepared!
#3. Manhattan Institute
For more than 40 years, the Manhattan Institute has been an important force in the configuration of American political culture. And the development of ideas that promote economic choice and individual responsibility. Above all, the Pharmacy Technician training at the Manhattan Institute is designed to prepare you for employment in this growing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor of the United States, the employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years due to advances in medicine and the aging population. With your diploma in the hands of our pharmacy technician schools, you will feel safe working in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies or any pharmacy within a medical establishment.
#4. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
The SJVC program prepares you to work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist as part of a team responsible for complying with doctors’ pharmaceutical orders. Graduates can complete the Certificate of Completion of Pharmaceutical Technology program in just 9 months, or the Associate Pharmacy Technician Science Degree program in just 15 months. Their pharmaceutical technology students can obtain a certificate of completion in just 9 months. Graduates of the pharmacy technician program can obtain an associate’s degree in science in just 15 months.
#5. Mountainland Technical College
This program consists of two parts. Part 1 is ongoing and laboratory training (400 hours). Part 2 is an external training for a pharmacy technician (200 hours). Students who successfully complete this training must have a high school diploma or GED to qualify to take the national exam. Most importantly, after passing the national exam, students can apply to become licensed pharmacy technicians in the state of Utah. Equally, students must complete the license application process with the State of Utah within two years (24 months) of the program start date. The MTECH pharmacy technical program is accredited by the ASHP and recognized by the PTCB.
#6. Columbus State Community College
Basically, the Pharmacy Technician Program is an entry-level certification program that prepares students for knowledge. As well as skills necessary for a career as a pharmacy technician. Specifically, students will learn how to prepare medications for distribution, perform dose calculations, comply with national and federal regulations. As well as to provide excellent customer service skills, inventory, and order supplies while exposing themselves to real situations facing pharmacies today. Completion of the program normally requires 26 to 32 weeks of instruction for full-time students, which are taught over a period of 2 semesters. Above all, the program is divided into didactic, simulated, and experimental components. Including an external internship period of 140 hours required for ASHP accreditation.
#7. Cleveland Clinic’s School of Pharmacy Technology
Specifically, the Cleveland Clinic is a leader in efforts to expand the role of pharmacy technicians. As one of the only accredited schools of hospital technicians in the country, the School of Pharmacy Technology paves the way for new technical leaders. Also, the Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmaceutical Technology was designed to achieve what no other pharmacy technician program has done before. In order to combine the two educational trainings with real and practical training, from day one. Equally, students acquire the necessary skills to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam and work in a pharmacy. Above all, graduates of the Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology are well prepared to meet the needs of expanding pharmaceutical practice. Finally, the graduate students of the Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology can be considered to work in the Cleveland Clinic Health System.
#8. Cerritos College
For residents of Southern California, the pharmacy technician program at Cerritos College is practical. The program offers a certificate and an associate’s degree for incoming students. The Cerritos College program has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) since 1999. The successful completion of any of the programs allows students to enroll in the California State Pharmacy Board, which is a requirement. prior to get a job as a pharmacy technician in California.
#9. Pima Medical Institute
With accredited institutions in the western part of the United States, PMI offers a full program of pharmacy technicians to students from Arizona, California, Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. At 840 credit hours, plus a clinical internship, students will be ready to write the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (CPhT) of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
#10. Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), located in 10 different locations in Utah, welcomes more than 60,000 students a year, making it the largest university in the state of Utah. Basically, the university is known for its flexible schedules and exceptional teachers. Specifically, the one-year certificate program at SLCC must be completed in 3 consecutive semesters. And also requires 180-hour job training in accordance with the laws of the state of Utah. You will work at a local pharmacy during your last semester and get valuable experience. The courses include medical terminology, pharmacology, calculations, preparation of sterile and non-sterile preparations and pharmacy laws. Above all, the university also has a very efficient job placement service that will help you review your CVs and simulate interviews.
Other Pharmacy Technician Colleges You Can Explore
Are there Pharmacy Technician Online Schools?
Completing online pharmacy technician courses is an excellent way for busy people to continue their education without having to travel to campus. Many schools offer a selection of online courses, while others offer completely online pharmaceutical technology programs. It is important to keep in mind that clinical experience, although not a licensing requirement in all states, can be an important factor in finding employment. For this reason, in most cases, it is better to choose an online program that also offers the placement of external practices. So here is a list of Pharmacy Technician Online Schools:
Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools
Higher education institutions require accreditation to assure their incoming students that their education will meet the high standards of accreditation bodies.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will obtain a professional development certificate and be eligible for the PTCB certification exam.
Although the school does offer job placement assistance, there is no external internship component of this particular program, which may make it less attractive to some students.
This allows students to really learn at their own pace while obtaining the experience desired by many employers.
Although there is no age requirement to enroll in the program, students must be at least 18 years old to complete the external internship part.
Schools generally have institutional accreditation in addition to specific program accreditations. Institutions may be accredited by regional groups, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The credentials of each school must be available on their website.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) offers a specific accreditation for pharmacy technician programs. To be accredited, schools must complete an application. Which includes a professional registration and a CV for the director of the pharmacy technician training program and submit application fees. Upon receiving these documents, the ASHP will organize an accreditation survey on the site to determine school eligibility.
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) also offers accreditation for pharmacy schools, but not specifically for pharmaceutical technology programs. Programs must meet 30 ACPE standards. More information about their accreditation process is available on their website.
Hence, students should look for more schools that have obtained accreditation from the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission, which is a joint effort between ASHP and ACPE.
The program only started at the end of 2014, but it should help define a higher and standard set of practices for pharmacy technician schools, which will facilitate the guarantee of quality education for pharmacy students.
Looking for a list of accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools, then the ones above are all you need.
Most schools require a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite, and individual schools might have additional requirements. Programs range from as little as 15 weeks to as long as two years, awarding a certificate, diploma or associate degree.
In general, your course will prepare you in four main areas: math, science, customer service, and technical skills.
Most pharmacy technician certification programs cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000. Associate’s degrees that cost $10,000 to $25,000 are also available in the field
Yes you can. Many schools offer a selection of online courses, while others offer completely online pharmaceutical technology programs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average pay for a pharmacy technician in May 2016 was $30,920, or $14.86 per hour. Pay varies according to the work location, type of facility, and size. For example, a pharmacy technician may make $7,000 more, annually, working for a larger hospital or acute care center.
The employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best schools for pharmacy technicians you have chosen an excellent area to explore! Whether you have wanted to become a pharmacy technician for a while or are just beginning to study the position. You will soon discover that there are a handful of benefits that begin even before you start your career. In this complete guide of the best-accredited pharmacy technician colleges, we provide all the details you need. Just Explore!
