There are four items to consider when choosing the best online pharmacy school: accreditation, course offering, faculty, and support services. Online pharmacy schools are available at both the college and university level. It is not possible to obtain pharmacy training completely via an online school, as there are specific laboratory training requirements that must be completed in person. However, many people complete a portion of the required courses for these programs with an online pharmacy school.
Online schools provide access to course materials and instructors through the Internet. Students log onto a website, where they can communicate with other students, submit assignments, and receive instructions and support. Many online schools provide access to academic counselors and other support staff to assist students.
When looking at online pharmacy school, the first item to check is the accreditation status. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions. This is essential for online pharmacy courses, so take the time to verify this before paying the course fees. Accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs.
Look at the courses available from the online pharmacy school. These should include most of the first-year program, as these foundation courses are standard. Courses should include organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, human physiology, and nomenclature. Check the course description to ensure that all the appropriate material is included in the course.
Look for online pharmacy schools that provide the biographies of their faculty or instructors on their website. The information listed typically includes the academic credentials, work experience, special training, and any awards they have received. Review this information and verify it independently with the pharmacist licensing board.
The school should provide access to instructor lectures, course notes, and group discussion tools. Most schools include the cost of the textbook in the course fee and send it directly to your home. Look for schools that have customer service to support the online course software available 24 hours per day. Most students complete their course work during evenings and weekends, and support during these times is very important.
The most important part of selecting the best school is to ensure that you are able to complete the work. It is a common misconception that an online school is easier. In fact, success in an online school requires students to be more disciplined, focused, and self-motivated.