Becoming a pharmacy assistant is one of the ways that many people enter the healthcare industry. Whether you have a passion for medicine or simply want a job that’s hands-on, there are many positives to starting a career as a pharmacy assistant. In fact, many of those perks come from your training. That being said, here are four benefits you can expect from taking a pharmacy assistant course.
The Overall Benefits of a Pharmacy Assistant Education
When it comes to working in a pharmacy, you may think that the job is somewhat simple. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Pharmacy assistants have a critical role in people’s health, helping to supply medication they need to manage illness. In addition, pharmacy assistants might also help to ensure that patients receive the correct dosage and medication.
Since this role requires accuracy, taking a course is a great chance for you to hone multiple career skills, including:
- Attention to detail,
- Organization, and
- Communication.
However, there are several other reasons why you should take a course if you’re considering a job as a pharmacy assistant.
1. It Provides You the Knowledge You Need at a Lower Cost than a Traditional University
Unlike other jobs in the healthcare field, becoming a pharmacy assistant sometimes doesn’t require a degree.
In fact, some states don’t have any formal education requirements or request a certification. This means that a short, comprehensive course could help you land a job relatively quickly and at a low cost. At Stratford Career Institute, our pharmacy assistant program goes through all the basics you need to understand to start out as an entry level assistant in many states. However, we still recommend you check the requirements in your area.
2. You’ll Learn Other Relevant Career Skills
Believe it or not, there’s more to pharmacy assistant courses than learning how to stock medications. During a typical introductory course, you learn a variety of skills that may help you advance your career. This can include math, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. By the end, you can identify different parts of the body, explain cellular processes, and understand complex medical terminology.
This is especially helpful if you decide to further your medical education or seek advancement opportunities within healthcare.
3. It Makes You a Good Candidate for Internship or Job Opportunities
Simply put, companies prefer candidates who have the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a pharmacy. This includes different aspects of the job, such as dosage, drug interactions, and more.
A basic pharmacy assistant course provides this information, giving you an edge against those starting from scratch. Often, it makes the difference between receiving an offer or being passed up for someone else.
4. The Demand for Pharmacy Assistants Is Growing
With a growing population, it’s no surprise that the demand for healthcare-related services is increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for pharmacy assistants is expected to show growth.
What to Expect in a Pharmacy Assistant Course
Not all pharmacy assistant courses are the same. Some may cover only the basics of the job, while others include related medical knowledge. At Stratford Career Institute, our course goes through all parts of the job as well as related medical information.
First, we start with medical terminology. This includes the structure and naming conventions used in the medical field, especially when it comes to anatomy. We even cover the process of cellular reproduction and basic chemistry.
Next, we go over pharmacology. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) defines pharmacology as “the science of how drugs act on biological systems.” During this portion of the pharmacy assistant course, we explore different types of drugs—such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants—and how the body responds to them.
This basic knowledge, depending on your location, can help you land an entry level position at a pharmacy or prepare you for a further education. Most importantly, our course is a lot more affordable than a typical college class.
Want to Take the First Step in Becoming a Pharmacy Assistant? Enroll in Stratford’s Course Today!
If you’re interested in working in healthcare and are looking for an affordable pharmacy assistant course, get started with Stratford Career Institute. We offer a thorough introduction to the primary duties in a pharmacy that you can complete at your own pace. Enroll today or contact us for more information.
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Stratford Career Institute offers a convenient and affordable online course to prepare you for a career as a pharmacy assistant.