Pharmacy Technician Schools

Several schools in the United States offer associate degrees in Pharmacy Technician skills.  The majority of the degrees granted are Associate of Applied Science degrees (AAS) and require typically 6 months of study in the field. 

The goal of the educational courses for the pharmacy technician field is to get the students trained to make them better equipped to accept entry level jobs.  Classes leading to a degree are typically fostered by community colleges, technical schools and business schools. Some hospitals and the military also offer specialized training for the field, although these facilities do not provide a degree, but rather a diploma or certificate of completion.
   
Most programs leading to the pharmacy technician degree accommodate working adults who are focused on improving skills for increased job responsibility and better pay rates. 

Quality pharmacy technician education programs focus on quality performance of the duties of the pharmacy technician.  Knowledge of current medications, billing and data base maintenance activities, staying current with new technology and information in the field, client care and people skills—all these are very important component for the pharmacy technicians.

Most schools combine lab training with classroom education and may even provide intern or externships for the students.  Online schools for pharmacy technician programs are an increasingly popular way to gain needed education while continuing the work and family responsibilities.  The online or distance learning schools allow for proceeding at one’s own pace while still gaining a professional quality education in the field.

More information on pharmacy technician education can be gained by going to the following website.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 7272 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814. Internet: http://www.ashp.org