Pharmacy Technician Training – Online or Traditional

Pursuing your Pharmacy Technician education can be confusing if you’re having trouble deciding what school offers the best program.  In addition, you’ve probably discovered that costs for your studies can vary widely from school to school.  Should you choose an online program or go to a traditional community college? There are numerous private vocational schools and community colleges that offer both pharmacy technician training online and on campus.

Everyone wants the best education possible at an affordable price, but how does one choose from all the available options? If you have visited any of the job forums lately, you’ll probably agree that a lot of people have similar questions.

One important step every aspiring Pharmacy Technician can take is to check with the Board of Pharmacy in their state to see what is required to work as a Pharmacy Tech.  It appears more and more states are beginning to require graduation from an accredited program and certification in order to become registered or licensed.

How do you find a school with an accredited program?  Many Pharmacy Technician training programs now rely on the accreditation standards established by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).  This organization has developed a model curriculum that many community, vocational and even private schools have adopted to meet the educational standards many Boards of Pharmacy are requiring for technician registration or licensing.  The ASHP maintains a list of accredited schools that provide pharmacy technician training in 39 of the 50 states.  Often times you can also download a list of accredited schools right from your  state’s Board of Pharmacy website.

Enrolling in a local community or vocational college is probably the best way to get a Pharmacy Technician education.  Many of these schools offer certificate programs that include an externship and can be completed in nine to twelve months.  Many community colleges also offer Pharmacy Tech training that leads to an Associate of Science degree.  This would make transitioning to a School of Pharmacy an easy step if later in your career you decide to become a Pharmacist.

Many online programs will prepare students to take the certification exam, sometimes in as little as ten weeks.  Again, students should check with the Board of Pharmacy to see if the program meets their educational requirements.  Once certified, many technicians may find jobs in retail pharmacies.  However many employers look for technicians that have at least 6 months or more experience.  If the online school you’re considering doesn’t include an externship as part of their program, where will you gain the practical hands on experience many employers expect?

Currently, many online schools provide pharmacy tech students with a way to enter the job market quickly and at a fairly affordable price.  However every year, States are increasing their educational standards for Pharmacy Techs.  Just make sure that the school you choose for your pharmacy technician training online is keeping up with those changes.

Choosing to become a Pharmacy Technician is an important career choice and ultimately a rewarding one.  It is up to you to determine what method of learning best matches your career goals and your budget. There will be many opportunities to advance in your career if you invest in the best education you can afford.