The demand for pharmacy technicians is rising throughout the nation, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an aging population with heavy reliance on prescription medications is the primary reason behind this growth.
No surprise, a lot of people are switching to allied healthcare and aiming for this role. However, as you begin researching online pharmacy technician programs, you will quickly notice two distinct styles of learning: Live Online Classes (Synchronous) and Self-Paced Classes (Asynchronous).
While it may not seem like a huge deal, choosing between these two formats is a decision that will impact your study habits, your retention of complex medical information, and ultimately, how quickly you enter the workforce.
What are Self-Paced Online Classes?
In this format, you can log in whenever you want, watch recorded lectures, read the modules, and complete assignments on your own schedule. There are usually no set meeting times, and you move through the curriculum as fast or as slow as you like, hence the name.
The Pros
- Flexibility: This is ideal for students with unpredictable work schedules or heavy family commitments.
- Speed: If you are a fast learner, you can potentially “power through” the material and finish the program ahead of schedule.
The Cons
- Isolation: You are essentially teaching yourself. If you hit a wall with a difficult concept, you may have to wait days for an email response from a tutor.
- Procrastination: Without a set schedule, it is very easy to push your studies to “tomorrow,” leading to a much longer completion time than originally planned.
Who Should Enroll in Self-Paced Courses?
If you are someone with unpredictable schedules and are disciplined (very important) enough to stick to learning on your own.
What are Live Online Classes?
While both live and self-paced classes are online, the former is more or less like the traditional classroom experience, just online. In such a learning structure, you get to interact with your instructor and classmates. You can ask questions in real-time, participate in group discussions, and see live demonstrations.
The Pros
- Immediate Feedback: If you don’t understand a concept, like drug classification or a pharmacy law, you can ask your instructor for clarification right then and there.
- Structured Accountability: Knowing you have a class at 6:00 PM keeps you disciplined. This structure often leads to higher graduation rates.
- Networking: You build relationships with your instructors and peers, which can be vital when looking for job recommendations later.
The Cons
- Fixed Schedule: You must be available at specific times, which requires better time management and a set routine.
Who Should Enroll in Live Online Courses?
These types of courses are ideal for learners who prefer traditional classroom environments and focus more on learning rather than flexibility.
Why Live Courses Are Often Better For Healthcare Training
While self-paced learning works well for some people and subjects, healthcare is a field that requires in-depth learning and training. Here is why many students find that live online pharmacy technician programs offer a significant advantage:
1. Mastering Pharmacy Math
One of the biggest hurdles for pharmacy tech students is math. Calculating dosages, dilutions, and flow rates requires precision, which cannot be learned on your own. In a live setting, an instructor can not only teach but also help you with these problems in real-time, showing you the step-by-step process.
2. Preparation for National Certification (PTCE/ExCPT)
The goal of your training is to pass a national certification exam. Live classes are often structured around the current exam blueprints. Instructors who are experienced pharmacy professionals can provide tips on which topics are most likely to appear on the exam and how to approach tricky questions guidance that is often missing from generic self-paced modules.
3. Professionalism and Communication
The role of pharmacy technicians requires interaction with pharmacists, doctors, and patients. Live classes allow you to practice communication skills through role-playing and group discussions. Developing these “soft skills” is much harder to do when you are studying in a vacuum.