As a student who wants to pursue a career in healthcare, the options can be overwhelming. While you might consider being a doctor, nurse, or dentist, you do not want to spend untold years in school accruing student debt. There is another option: trade school.

Did you know that becoming a pharmacy technician is also a fulfilling and rewarding career? A pharmacy technician works with pharmacists to dispense medications to patients and manage pharmacy operations. Here's a closer look at the role of trade schools as a jumping-off point for getting a healthcare career and what you will learn in a pharmacy tech vocational trade school program.

What Is a Trade School?

Trade schools offer skills-based training and certifications that provide students with the qualifications needed to work in a specific field. Trade school programs are often much shorter than traditional college programs and do not require a degree. With a pharmacy tech vocational trade school program, you can learn the skills necessary to become a pharm tech in a fraction of the time and cost associated with traditional college.

What Is a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. Their primary role is to assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients. They also manage drug inventory, prepare prescriptions, and help with other administrative tasks like billing and insurance claims. The job of a pharmacy tech is critical, as medication errors can result in dangerous consequences, including hospitalization and even death. As such, a pharmacy technician requires excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and communication abilities.

What Do You Learn in a Pharmacy Tech Vocational Trade School Program?

Attending a vocational trade school program in pharmacy tech provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain entry-level pharmacy technician jobs. The coursework covers various topics, including:

• Pharmacology
• Pharmaceutical calculations
• Medical terminology
• Medication safety
• Pharmacy laws and regulations

Students will gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting by completing an internship. Your pharmacy tech vocational trade school program's length will vary depending on the school you choose, but most programs take less than a year to complete. Additionally, many vocational trade schools offer job placement assistance to graduates, making the transition from student to working professional smoother.

Your dream of working in healthcare can become a reality with a pharmacy tech vocational trade school program. Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great option for students who want a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare.