What to Look for in a Pharmacy Technician School: A Checklist Schools and Training

Becoming a pharmacy technician is a rewarding career path in the healthcare field. However, selecting the right training program is vital for your success. This article will guide you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a pharmacy technician school, ensuring you receive the education and preparation needed to excel in this role. This What to Look for in a Pharmacy Technician School: A Checklist Schools and Training provides a structure for your decision-making process.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical factor when evaluating pharmacy technician schools. Accreditation means that the program has met specific quality standards set by an independent accrediting organization. Graduating from an accredited program can improve your job prospects and eligibility for certification. Two prominent accrediting bodies for pharmacy technician programs are:

  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP): https://www.ashp.org/ ASHP is a well-respected organization that accredits pharmacy technician training programs.

  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES): https://www.abhes.org/ ABHES is another nationally recognized accrediting agency that accredits various health education programs, including pharmacy technician programs.

Choosing an accredited program ensures that the curriculum is up-to-date and meets industry standards, preparing you effectively for the pharmacy technician certification exam and your career. Verify a school's accreditation status directly on the accrediting organization's website. This What to Look for in a Pharmacy Technician School: A Checklist Schools emphasizes the importance of verified accreditation.

Curriculum

The curriculum of a pharmacy technician program should cover a wide range of topics essential for your role. Key areas to look for include:

  • Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Understanding federal and state regulations, patient confidentiality (HIPAA), and ethical principles.
  • Medical Terminology: Learning the language of medicine to accurately interpret prescriptions and communicate with healthcare professionals.
  • Pharmaceutical Calculations: Mastering dosage calculations, conversions, and inventory management techniques.
  • Pharmacology: Studying drug classifications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and interactions.
  • Dispensing Procedures: Learning how to accurately fill prescriptions, package medications, and maintain inventory.
  • Sterile Compounding: Understanding the principles and techniques of preparing sterile medications (e.g., IV medications).
  • Inventory Management: Managing medication stock, ordering supplies, and preventing drug shortages.
  • Customer Service: Developing effective communication skills to interact with patients and healthcare providers.

A well-rounded curriculum will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your duties competently and confidently. This What to Look for in a Pharmacy Technician School: A Checklist Schools focuses on a curriculum that is well rounded.

Instructors' Qualifications and Experience

The quality of instruction is paramount to your learning experience. Look for schools that employ experienced and qualified instructors. Ideally, instructors should be licensed pharmacists or experienced pharmacy technicians with a strong background in the field.

Consider these aspects when evaluating instructors:

  • Credentials: Do the instructors hold relevant certifications or licenses?
  • Experience: How many years of experience do the instructors have in pharmacy practice?
  • Teaching Style: Do the instructors have a passion for teaching and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly?
  • Availability: Are the instructors accessible for questions and support outside of class time?

Qualified and experienced instructors can provide valuable insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities of pharmacy practice.

Program Length and Format

Pharmacy technician programs vary in length and format. Consider your personal circumstances and learning style when choosing a program. Programs can range from several months to over a year.

  • Program Length: Shorter programs may be more intensive, while longer programs may offer a more paced learning environment.
  • Format: Some programs are offered in-person, while others are online or hybrid (a combination of in-person and online learning).

In-person programs offer the advantage of face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates. Online programs provide flexibility for students who need to balance their studies with other commitments. Hybrid programs offer a blend of both.

Practical Experience (Externships)

Hands-on experience is invaluable for pharmacy technician students. Look for programs that offer externships or clinical rotations as part of the curriculum. An externship allows you to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a real-world pharmacy setting. This is the place where theory meets practice.

During an externship, you may have the opportunity to:

  • Assist pharmacists with dispensing medications.
  • Compound medications under supervision.
  • Manage inventory and order supplies.
  • Interact with patients and healthcare providers.
  • Learn about different pharmacy settings (e.g., retail, hospital, compounding).

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (https://nabp.pharmacy/) is an organization that helps to regulate pharmacy standards, and externships help ensure that these standards are upheld through education.

Certification Preparation and Pass Rates

Many employers prefer or require pharmacy technicians to be certified. The most recognized certification for pharmacy technicians is the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): https://www.ptcb.org/.

Choose a program that prepares you for the PTCB exam or other relevant certification exams. Look for programs that offer:

  • Review sessions or practice tests.
  • Study materials and resources.
  • Guidance on the certification process.

Also, inquire about the program's pass rates on the certification exam. Higher pass rates indicate that the program effectively prepares students for certification.

Job Placement Assistance

While no school can guarantee job placement, some programs offer career services to help graduates find employment. These services may include:

  • Resume and cover letter writing assistance.
  • Interview skills training.
  • Job search workshops.
  • Networking opportunities.
  • Connections with local pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Job placement assistance can be a valuable resource as you transition from student to working professional.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of a pharmacy technician program can vary depending on the school, program length, and format. Consider your budget and explore financial aid options.

  • Tuition and Fees: Inquire about all costs associated with the program, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
  • Financial Aid: Investigate financial aid options such as federal student loans, grants, and scholarships.
  • Payment Plans: Ask if the school offers payment plans to make tuition more manageable.

Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. Focus on finding a program that offers quality education and prepares you for a successful career, even if it requires a larger initial investment.