Pharmacy technicians have several means by which they can take continuing education courses. Online programs are easy and convenient to access, as are online seminars, known as "webinars." Home study programs allow pharmacy techs to study at their own pace. Additionally, classes are offered through hospitals, statewide pharmaceutical agencies or disease-specific organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education is the agency authorized to accredit continuing education providers. Requiring programs to be accredited keeps fly-by-night operations at bay, so it's an important factor in choosing a continuing education program. The ACPE website has a comprehensive list of accredited continuing education providers.
Given the array of choices for continuing education, pharmacy techs can choose classes aimed at their particular needs. The National Pharmacy Technician Association, a leading vendor of pharmacy tech continuing education programs, offers classes on such issues as the emergence of medical marijuana; newly approved drugs; and legal changes that may impact pharmacies. Some of the NPTA's home study programs conclude with hands-on workshops at the association's training institute in Houston, Texas. Several sites offer webinars covering medications, medical conditions, legal issues and other topics important to the pharmacy tech. Online sites such as FreeCE.com and Power-Pak C.E., among many others, provide a wide range of courses for little or no cost. A pharmacy tech can choose from hundreds of accredited providers to access continuing education classes either close to home or online.
Some online classes are offered for free and others for a nominal charge. Webinars generally have an associated cost that ranges from nominal to hundreds of dollars, depending upon the subject matter. As of 2010, the NPTA charged about $600 for its two-day institutes that wrap up some home study courses. That fee includes the home study materials and book, the two-day institute, some meals while at the institute, lab equipment and supplies along with continuing education credit and certification for the training.
Staying current in the pharmaceutical field is a career must for the pharmacy tech. Drugs and drug treatments change quickly as do the popularity of certain medications. Understanding the benefits and risks of various medications, as well as the latest issues and updated medical information, keeps the pharmacy technician knowledgeable and, by extension, better equipped to serve his pharmacy's clientele.