How an Online Pharmacy Tech Program Uses Externships
A pharmacy technician is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after allied healthcare roles, as it offers quick entry in the field and doesn’t have huge barriers in terms of education. However, the skills you learn during your pharmacy tech training programs are what help you stand out from the crowd and ensure you advance in the field.
Now, you might be asking yourself how I can learn hands-on skills with an online pharmacy tech program? The short answer is externship. Reputable programs ensure that students gain much-needed hands-on experience by registering for in-person sessions in a nearby pharmacy.
The Dynamics of Online Learning and On-Site Experience
Yes, externship is important; however, it is usually the last module in any training program. Your course will begin with live online classes that provide students with the foundational knowledge required for the field. These sessions can be interactive as well and will teach students about pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy law.
Once you’ve got the theoretical knowledge under your belt, you will then be assigned an in-person location that will help you apply your learning to the real world under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Developing Practical Skills in Real-Time
As mentioned above, you get to apply your learning in the real world and understand exactly how and what you need to do in a real pharmacy setting. But just because you are in a pharmacy doesn’t mean you’ll automatically learn practical skills.
This is why reputable training providers that offer online classes for pharmacy technicians focus on helping students develop their muscle memory by enabling them to practice (usually repeated) fundamentals like compounding, aseptic techniques, and more.
In addition to these, externships allow students to become familiar with the layout of a working pharmacy and a fast-paced environment.
Mastering Soft Skills and Patient Interaction
You should also know that in the realm of pharmacy, soft skills are equally important as practical skills. This is because pharmacy technicians are often the first or last point of contact for patients who may be stressed, ill, or confused about their medications. So, students must know how to handle patients with varying moods and temperaments.
During externship, students learn how to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people. They learn by observing how experienced technicians handle difficult conversations regarding insurance coverage or medication delays.
Additionally, they learn the importance of empathy, privacy (HIPAA compliance), and clear verbal communication.
Exploring Opportunities to Network and Career Pathways
Beyond skill acquisition, an online pharmacy tech program uses externships as a powerful networking tool. In many cases, an externship serves as a weeks-long job interview. It allows a potential employer to see the student’s work ethic, punctuality, and ability to learn on the fly.
Many students who excel during their externship are offered permanent positions by their site sponsors upon completion of the program and certification. Even if a direct job offer isn’t extended, the relationships built during this time are invaluable. Having a recommendation from a practicing pharmacist can significantly boost a graduate’s resume, making them a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Endnote
To transition from a student to becoming a successful (and in-demand) pharmacy technician, you need to gain practical skills with experience. This is where the externship comes in, as it acts as a bridge between online coursework and helping you learn the skills and know-how of a real pharmacy.
By gaining skills in this manner, you can be certain that you are job-ready as soon as you graduate. Therefore, make sure when you are enrolling in a pharma tech program, you confirm if they offer a dedicated externship module.
