THE PROS AND CONS OF ATTENDING PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS ONLINE
Accredited online pharmacy technician schools can offer you the opportunity to earn a pharmacy technician degree that will improve your chances of finding a job in the field. Whether you are seeking a certificate, diploma or associates degree at an online pharmacy technician school, it may be possible to work part or even full time while you pursue your degree, which can offset the costs of your education and make an online degree cheaper in the long run, even if the cost of tuition is not significantly different from pharmacy tech programs at brick-and-mortar schools.
ONLINE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
A pharmacy technician certificate is usually a 1-year program that students enroll in to gain foundational knowledge and skills in pharmacy technology. Online pharmacy tech degrees are acceptable alternatives to attending a program at a traditional school, as long as you participate in an internship or find some other work experience that will demonstrate to employers your knowledge of and proficiency on the job.
Pros of Getting an Online Certificate in Pharmacy Technology
A certificate program at an online pharmacy technician school allows adults who are often balancing their job and family with the opportunity to study according to their own schedules and wherever they are located. Classes at accredited online pharmacy technician schools may be in real time (synchronous) or downloaded and watched at your leisure (asynchronous).
Many accredited online pharmacy technician schools have a policy that pairs students with an instructor for one-on-one assistance, working either via e-mail, over the phone, using Skype or some combination of all these formats. This feature compares favorably with the personal attention that you would expect to receive at an offline institution.
Students at pharmacy tech schools online may participate in virtual externships that teach retail pharmacy procedure, online ethics of pharmacy practice as well as patient care and interaction. At accredited online pharmacy technician schools, you will also learn how to process charges and reimbursements.
Cons of Getting an Online Certification in Pharmacy Technology
While many pharmacy tech online schools offer resuming building and advise on how to land your first job as a pharmacy technician, few offer job placement. While there are many job openings in the field, brick-and-mortar schools typically do offer this feature.
While pharmacy technician schools online offer a student the ability to take classes according to their personal timetable, they demand a lot of self-discipline. If you do not watch, listen to or read the lectures, or if you miss your assignments, there might not be anyone to remind you that you are falling behind. Online schooling for pharmacy technician students does offer flexibility, but unless you are very motivated, there are greater odds of failing to complete the degree.
ONLINE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN ASSOCIATES DEGREE
Associates degrees in pharmacy tech are the highest level of degree you can earn in this field until students begin to pursue more advanced degrees, like bachelors, masters and the Doctor of Pharmacy, which would lead you to become a pharmacist. But for students who just want to work as technicians, earning your associates degree in pharmacy tech online is the best option and will help you to secure a good job.
Pros of Getting an Online Associates Degree in Pharmacy Technology
Accredited online pharmacy technician schools offer a neutral learning environment where you will be judged on the basis of your work product, not your appearance, age or gender. It this sense, it levels the playing field.
Some courses, such as medical terminology, can be very difficult if you do not have a strong background in the sciences. With courses that you take online, if you miss a class or are having a hard time with a concept, you can watch the lecture as many times as you need until you have mastered the topic.
In addition, being able to attend class and study via pharmacy tech schools online wherever and whenever means that you can avoid the time, stress and cost of commuting, even of paying a babysitter. If you are organized, you can manage to learn during your work lunch break, or whenever you have a moment free. In this way, the busy life that may have prevented you from enrolling in a traditional course of study is removed as an obstacle and you are rewarded for bringing your life experience to the table.
Cons of Getting an Online Associates Degree in Pharmacy Technology
When you learning how to be a pharmacy technician, online school is not always the best option for gaining work experience, because many schools cannot arrange an internship for you. This is partly because of the fact that many online schools do not operate in local communities and may be located miles away from your city. If you attend an online program, you may have to set up your own internship, and this can be a difficult and challenging process.
Importantly, if your program is not 1 of the accredited online pharmacy technician schools, it will probably not prepare you to pass your certification exam. In addition, the credits you accrue for your associates degree will not be transferable should you decide study to be a pharmacist. And if your school is unaccredited, you will not be eligible for government financial aid in the form of scholarships or loans.
Online school may not be a good option for you depending on your habits and communication preferences. Some students prefer solitary learning and enjoy the online experience. Others thrive in a real time setting where they can observe bodily cues and easily respond to their fellow students. At a traditional school, you have the ability to build relationships and network with both your fellow classmates and professors. Online school does not provide the same opportunities to meet and bond with new people.
Finally, you should confirm with your online pharmacy technician school that your PC or Mac can run the software that your course requires and that you will be able to stream or download the course materials prepared for you. If your software programs are not up to date, you may begin your coursework and realize that you do not have access to required materials, causing you to fall behind or spend money to upgrade your software or computer.