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Continuing education is essential for pharmacy technicians to stay current with industry standards, regulations, and new pharmaceutical developments. Fortunately, there are numerous online resources that provide high-quality courses and materials to support ongoing professional growth. This article explores some of the best online resources available for pharmacy technician continuing education.
Accredited Online Learning Platforms
Many reputable platforms offer accredited courses tailored for pharmacy technicians. These platforms ensure that the coursework meets industry standards and can often count toward licensing or certification renewal.
- Penn Foster Career School: Offers a comprehensive online pharmacy technician program accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Courses cover pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacy operations.
- Ashworth College: Provides flexible online courses with certification options. Their pharmacy technician program emphasizes real-world skills and industry compliance.
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Offers various preparatory courses and resources aligned with certification requirements.
Professional Associations and Certification Bodies
Joining professional organizations can provide access to exclusive educational resources, webinars, and updated industry information.
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP): Provides online learning modules, webinars, and certification prep courses tailored for pharmacy technicians.
- National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA): Offers continuing education courses, webinars, and resources to help technicians maintain certification.
- PTCB: Offers recertification resources, practice exams, and educational modules aligned with certification standards.
Free and Low-Cost Educational Resources
For those seeking affordable options, several websites provide free or low-cost educational materials that cover essential topics for pharmacy technicians.
- Khan Academy: Offers free courses on biology, chemistry, and health sciences that can complement pharmacy studies.
- Coursera and edX: Provide access to free courses from universities on topics like pharmacology and healthcare systems. Certificates are available for a fee.
- Pharmacy Times: Features articles, webinars, and continuing education articles relevant to pharmacy practice.
Specialized Resources for Pharmacology and Drug Knowledge
Deepening pharmacology knowledge is crucial for pharmacy technicians. Several online resources focus specifically on drug information and pharmacology.
- Micromedex: An extensive drug reference database used by many pharmacy professionals for drug information and interactions.
- Lexicomp: Offers detailed drug monographs, interactions, and patient education materials.
- Drugs.com: Free online resource providing drug information, interactions, and patient guides.
Conclusion
Staying current and compliant as a pharmacy technician requires ongoing education. The resources listed above offer a variety of options to fit different learning styles and budgets. By leveraging accredited courses, professional association resources, and specialized pharmacology tools, pharmacy technicians can ensure they remain knowledgeable and prepared to serve their patients effectively.