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Searching for the best pharmacy technician programs in Newport News, VA?
This article highlights top-rated programs that can kickstart your career in the healthcare field.
From certification opportunities to hands-on training, find out which program aligns with your goals and get started on your path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician.
New Horizons Regional Education Center – Pharmacy Technician Program
The New Horizons Regional Education Center offers a distinctive Pharmacy Technician Program in Newport News, VA. This one-year program covers all essential areas to prepare you for a career in pharmacy.
Key Features:
- Certification Eligibility: Upon completing the program, you can sit for the ExCPT National Certification Exam, positioning you to register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
- Hands-on Learning: The program emphasizes experiential learning through collaborations with retail giants like Wal-Mart and Walgreens, as well as medical facilities like Riverside and Sentara.
- Course Flexibility: With two session options (A.M. and P.M.), this program accommodates various schedules.
- Experienced Instructors: Led by Angela Stroble, CPhT, with over three decades of industry experience.
- Community Connections: Engaging with the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) offers networking and professional growth opportunities.
Program Curriculum:
- Pharmacy Operations: Learn daily operational tasks, from ordering to dispensing medications.
- Medication Safety: Gain insights into ensuring the safe administration of pharmaceuticals.
- Pharmacology: Understand drug classifications, uses, side effects, and interactions.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations: Equip yourself with essential math skills for accurate medication preparation.
Students can benefit hugely from the strong industry connections and comprehensive curriculum that New Horizons Regional Education Center’s Pharmacy Technician Program offers.
V-TECS – Pharmacy Technician Training Program
V-TECS provides a thorough pharmacy technician training program designed to ready you for the healthcare field.
Notable Highlights:
- Board Approval: The program is fully approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Curricular Scope: Includes federal and state pharmaceutical laws, preparing you for both regulatory exams and practical roles.
- Flexible Scheduling: Offers options for full-time or part-time enrollment, ideal for balancing work and study.
- Accreditation: Recognized by the Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education program.
Learning Structure:
- Classroom Instruction: Theoretical lessons to cover the basics of pharmaceutical science.
- Laboratory Work: Practical sessions to develop real-world dispensing and compliance skills.
- Pharmacy Externship: Gain hands-on experience in a real pharmacy setting.
Graduates are well-prepared to take the national PTCB or ExCPT exams, becoming Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT), ready for the job market.
ECPI University – Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
The ECPI University in Newport News, VA, offers a Pharmacy Technician Certification Program tailored for career readiness in the pharmaceutical industry.
Essential Program Attributes:
- Flexible Learning: Offers both online and on-campus courses, catering to different learning styles.
- Hands-on Training: Practical sessions in a simulated pharmacy environment ensure you are job-ready.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with healthcare facilities provide externship opportunities and job placement assistance.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), upholding high education standards.
- Exam Preparation: Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the PTCB.
Curriculum Coverage:
- Pharmacology: In-depth study of medications, their effects, and uses.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations: Mastery of calculations for accurate medication preparation and dispensing.
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Understand the regulatory environment and ethical considerations in pharmaceutical practice.
- Inventory Management: Learn effective management of medication inventory, ensuring optimal pharmacy operations.
ECPI University’s program ensures a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making it a solid choice for your educational journey.
Each of these pharmacy technician programs in Newport News, VA, offers unique advantages, aimed at providing you with the necessary skills and certifications to excel in this field. Consider your personal needs, career goals, and the strengths of each program to find the best fit for you.
Tidewater Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Tidewater Community College offers an impactful Pharmacy Technician Program at its Portsmouth Campus in Newport News, VA. This program is spread over two semesters and demands a total of 17 credits to complete. It is streamlined to help you achieve real-world competence in pharmacy technology.
Key Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The courses cover a wide range of topics including medication dispensing, pharmacy law, and pharmaceutical calculations.
- Certification Preparation: The program prepares you to sit for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, ensuring you meet the requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
- Hands-On Training: Classroom learning is supplemented with internships, providing invaluable real-world experience under a licensed pharmacist.
- Flexible Learning Options: Whether you prefer daytime or evening classes, the program caters to various scheduling needs.
Admission Requirements:
- Selective Entry: Admission into the program requires a separate application in addition to the general college admission.
- Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older to qualify for the internship component of the program.
- Pre-Requisite Courses: Ensure you meet all pre-requisites by consulting with the program lead.
Tidewater Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program is a well-rounded choice for those looking to enter the field promptly and efficiently.
How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program
Choosing the best Pharmacy Technician Program can significantly impact your future career. Consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
- Accreditation: Verify that the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Accreditation ensures the program meets industry standards.
- Curriculum Coverage: Check if the curriculum covers all essential subjects like pharmacology, pharmacy law, ethical practices, and pharmaceutical calculations. A well-rounded curriculum prepares you comprehensively for professional responsibilities.
- Hands-On Training: Look for programs that offer practical experience through laboratory work and externships. Hands-on training is essential for gaining real-world skills.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition fees and explore available financial aid options. Look for hidden costs, including exam fees and material costs.
- Program Reputation: Research the program’s reputation within the industry. High graduate success rates and positive feedback from alumni are indicators of a strong program.
- Class Size: Smaller class sizes often provide more personalized attention and better interaction with instructors.
- Industry Connections: Programs with strong partnerships with healthcare facilities may offer better externship opportunities and job placements.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a Pharmacy Technician Program that aligns with your career aspirations and educational needs.
Conclusion: Start Your Pharmacy Technician Journey Today
Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician is a rewarding and accessible way to enter the healthcare sector. Whether you choose the New Horizons Regional Education Center, V-TECS, ECPI University, or Tidewater Community College, each program offers unique strengths to set you on the path to success. Evaluate your options and choose the program that best fits your needs to begin your journey towards becoming a certified pharmacy technician today.