There are five things to consider when looking for the best pharmacy class: appropriate level, small class size, qualified instructors, accreditation, and hands-on learning. Pharmacy classes are available from universities, community or career colleges, and online schools. A pharmacy class can help you complete a pharmacist or pharmacy technician program, count toward a minor specialty, or improve your career opportunities. The interest in pharmacy courses has increased dramatically in the past three to five years, as prescription medication becomes more affordable.
The level of pharmacy classes varies widely, depending on the institute and its target audience. Read the course description carefully, and make sure it provides the appropriate level of detail for your needs. Another clue to the level of the course is the prerequisites. If you are taking pharmacy classes toward a professional certification, make sure the course is appropriate. People taking a pharmacy course for personal interest should make sure they have the background necessary to understand all the concepts being presented.
Pharmacy classes combine theory and practical application. The lower the number of students in the class, the more individual attention the instructor can provide to each student. It is important to grasp the theory and the actual techniques from pharmacy class, as these techniques will be used in the field upon graduation. Common techniques include mixing medication, using pharmacy management software, and validating the chemical composition.
Pharmacy class should be taught by qualified instructors who are experts in their field. For example, pharmacy inventory management software classes should be taught by a software instructor, and chemical analysis should be taught by a chemist. The level of skill of the instructor has a huge impact on the depth of material covered.
When reviewing pharmacy class options, it is important to ensure that the school is accredited. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent agency to ensure minimum standards are met. In addition, only courses from an accredited school can be used toward a pharmacy technologist diploma or a licensed pharmacist certification. If you decide to take an online program, verify the status of the school independently, to make sure that it is valid.
If you are taking courses toward a certification in pharmacy, review the labs to ensure there is one workstation per student. Ask about after-hours access to the lab to complete homework assignments. Pharmacy is a very task-oriented profession, and it is important to have enough opportunity to practice these techniques in school.
