Have you ever dreamed of starting towards a fulfilling career in healthcare but felt overwhelmed by the thought of going back to school? What if I told you that you could earn a Pharmacy Tech certificate from an accredited university in as little as three months? Even better, you can do this while learning online, from the comfort of your home, and on your own schedule. Yes, it’s possible, and this article will walk you through exactly how to achieve it.
Why Become a Pharmacy Technician?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of a Pharmacy Technician is both rewarding and in demand. As a vital part of the healthcare team, pharmacy techs support pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventories, and providing excellent customer care. This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a dynamic, patient-focused environment. With job security, decent starting salaries, and opportunities for growth, becoming a pharmacy technician can set you on the path to a brighter future.
But how do you start? Let’s dive in.
Key Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacy Tech
There are three essential steps to launching your career as a pharmacy technician:
1. Formal Education
The foundation of your pharmacy tech career begins with formal training. Employers typically expect candidates to have completed a pharmacy technician training program that builds critical skills for the role. While there are many options for training, programs that offer a university certificate carry the most weight. This credential not only strengthens your resume but also demonstrates that you’ve received education from a reputable institution.
2. PTCB Certification
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification is a significant requirement for most pharmacy technician roles. To earn this certification, you must pass the PTCB’s standardized exam. Successfully completing this exam allows you to add the prestigious CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) designation after your name, which boosts your professional credibility.
It’s important to note the difference between a certificate and a certification:
- A certificate is awarded after completing a training program.
- A certification requires passing an industry-recognized exam, such as the PTCB exam.
3. Hands-On Experience
Practical experience in a pharmacy setting is invaluable. Before you step into the job market, gaining experience through an externship can make a significant difference. An externship allows you to apply your training in real-world scenarios, giving you a competitive edge over other candidates.
Challenges of Traditional Training Programs
While many aspiring pharmacy techs consider traditional on-campus college programs, these often present significant challenges for busy adults:
Time Commitment
Traditional programs can take up to a year or more to complete, requiring students to put their lives on hold. This extended timeline is unnecessary, as pharmacy technician education can be completed much faster with the right program.
High Costs
Tuition for on-campus programs can be prohibitively expensive, often exceeding $10,000. For many students, this means relying on student loans, which can leave you saddled with debt before even starting your career.
Rigid Scheduling
Scheduled classes can be a nightmare for individuals juggling jobs, parenting, or other responsibilities. Imagine trying to attend fixed class times while managing your daily life—it’s like solving a Rubik’s Cube on a unicycle: nearly impossible.
Why Online or Local Programs Aren’t Always the Answer
Online and local training programs might seem like better options, but they often come with their own drawbacks. Many lack the prestige of a university certificate, don’t adequately prepare students for the PTCB certification exam, or fail to arrange externships. These gaps can leave students unprepared for the job market, making these programs less than ideal.
A Game-Changing Solution: Preppy’s Pharmacy Tech Certificate Program
For those seeking a flexible, affordable, and comprehensive training solution, Preppy’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Program stands out as a top choice. Designed specifically for busy adults, Preppy’s program addresses all three critical requirements for becoming a pharmacy tech—education, certification preparation, and hands-on experience.
Here’s what makes Preppy a game-changer:
1. Learn 100% Online at Your Own Pace
Preppy’s program allows you to study whenever and wherever you want. This flexibility is perfect for those managing work, family, or other commitments.
2. Earn a Respected University Certificate
With Preppy, you’ll receive a university-backed certificate upon completing your training. This credential carries significant weight in the healthcare industry and will enhance your resume.
3. Prepare for the PTCB Exam
Preppy’s curriculum is designed to fully prepare you for the PTCB certification exam. With the right preparation, you’ll feel confident tackling the test and earning your CPhT designation.
4. Gain Hands-On Experience
Through an externship opportunity, you’ll gain practical experience in a real pharmacy setting. This hands-on training is crucial for building confidence and setting yourself apart in the job market.
5. Job Assistance Services
Preppy goes beyond training by offering job assistance services to help you launch your career as quickly as possible.
6. Complete the Pharmacy Tech Certificate Program in as Little as 3 Months
Unlike traditional programs, Preppy’s online pharmacy technician training can be completed in as little as three months. In less time than it takes to complete a semester, you can be ready to enter the workforce.
7. Affordable Tuition
Preppy’s program costs under $2,000, making it a fraction of the cost of many traditional programs. This affordability allows you to start towards your career without the burden of student debt.
Why Preppy is the Right Choice for Busy Adults
Thousands of students nationwide are using Preppy to fast-track their careers in healthcare. By combining flexibility, affordability, and quality education, Preppy makes it possible for anyone to achieve their goals without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re serious about becoming a pharmacy technician and want to avoid the hassles of traditional schooling, Preppy’s Online Pharmacy Technician Certification Program is the solution you’ve been waiting for. With its streamlined approach, this program provides everything you need to succeed in your new career.
Also read: Get AAPC CPC Certification Online in 6 Months – Medical Coding Certification Online
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
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Our team of higher education and startup veterans has created the best solution so everyone can obtain the emerging careers of today and tomorrow.
We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
