This goes without saying, but the healthcare industry in the US is experiencing a significant growth. The main driving factor behind this growth is that the population is aging and is relying on prescription medications, which translates to the need for skilled professionals behind the pharmacy counter.
Now, while a lot of people who don’t possess a medical background, becoming a pharmacist can be out of question, becoming a pharmacy technician, on the other hand, is the ideal entry point.
With that said, you are still required to complete a training program. However, with an overwhelming number of training providers, choosing the right online pharmacy technician course is the most critical step in ensuring you are prepared for certification and long-term career success.
This quick guide will break down the essential factors you should look for when selecting a program to ensure you get the best return on your educational investment.
1. Look for Accreditation
This is easily the most important rule (and first) of choosing a pharmacy technician school. You should always verify your training provider’s accreditation. This is because accreditation is a seal of approval from an independent agency that ensures the program meets specific national standards of quality.
And when it comes to pharmacy, there are certain accreditations that are considered industry-standard:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)
Graduating from an accredited program is often a prerequisite for state licensure and makes you a much more attractive candidate to major employers like hospital systems and retail chains.
NOTE: An institution will not have all three accreditations; it will have either of these three.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum and Certification Prep
If you’ve researched this position, then you already know that a pharmacy technician’s job is more than just counting pills. This role requires a deep understanding of medical terminology, pharmacy law, ethics, dosage calculations, and pharmacology.
Therefore, when evaluating an online pharmacy technician course, review the syllabus carefully (you can usually find it on the program page). One of the key aspects in the curriculum you should look for is whether the program prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
The best schools design their curriculum specifically around these national exams. Since most states require national certification, your course should provide the study materials and practice tests necessary to help you pass on your first attempt.
3. Hands-On Experience OR The Externship
Much like other medical roles, a pharmacy technician is also a hands-on role, which means you need to learn how to carry out tasks like compounding or managing inventory in a real pharmacy setting.
Now, you might wonder how an online course can teach you the physical tasks. Thankfully, ideal training providers offer externships.
The way these externships work is that after you complete your online coursework, the school places you in a pharmacy close to you for hands-on experience.
4. Instructor Involvement and Structured Learning
One of the biggest challenges faced by students during online learning is the feeling that they are teaching themselves. Therefore, when choosing a school, ask about the level of instructor involvement. Ask questions like:
- Are there live online lectures, or is it entirely self-paced?
- Can you email or call an instructor if you are struggling with a complex dosage calculation?
- Is there a dedicated student support team?
Choose a program that prioritizes a balance between the convenience of online learning and the support of experienced healthcare professionals.
5. Career Services and Job Placement Assistance
Yes, the demand for healthcare roles is high, and the nation is facing a shortage of healthcare professionals, but this doesn’t mean getting a job is easy.
Also, the goal of enrolling in any pharmacy technician course is to get a job. Therefore, you should choose a school that includes the following:
- Resume and cover letter workshops.
- Mock interviews to build your confidence.
- Job lead notifications and connections with local healthcare recruiters.
- Lifetime career assistance for alumni.
Before enrolling, ask the admissions office about their job placement rate. A school that can demonstrate a high percentage of graduates working in the field is a school that provides a high-quality education.
