Hello, fellow learners and future pharmacy techs! If you’re considering a career pivot or just curious about what it takes to become a pharmacy technician, I recently completed the “Become a Pharmacy Technician” course on Udemy and thought I’d share my thoughts with you. Let’s dive into the details.
First off, the world of pharmacy can be complex and intimidating, but this course promises to simplify the pathway to becoming a certified pharmacy technician. It’s a video study guide designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. The promise is big: to arm you with the skills necessary to land a job as a pharmacy tech.
Instructor Reputation: Dr. Steven Pettit, Pharm.D.
When diving into the “Become a Pharmacy Technician” course on Udemy, one of the first things that stands out is the instructor, Dr. Steven Pettit. With a Pharm.D. under his belt and a teaching role that spans various topics within the pharmaceutical realm, Dr. Pettit brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. But what really sets him apart as an instructor is not just his professional qualifications but the passion and clarity he brings to his teaching.
Professional Background
Dr. Pettit’s journey in the pharmaceutical world began with his undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas, followed by achieving his Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from Texas Tech School of Pharmacy. His career has since flourished in a large independent compounding pharmacy, where his role exceeds just filling prescriptions. His day-to-day experience in the pharmacy provides him with real-world insights and examples that he seamlessly integrates into his teaching, making the learning experience rich and applicable.
Teaching Experience and Style
What’s particularly impressive about Dr. Pettit is his versatility as an educator. He has taught a variety of classes and seminars covering critical topics like medications for Parkinson’s disease, menopause, and bariatric surgery. This diversity in teaching topics showcases his broad understanding of pharmacy and his ability to break down complex subjects into digestible, understandable pieces.
Students rave about his ability to make challenging concepts easy to grasp. This is a testament to his teaching style, which is both engaging and informative. His approachability and clarity in explaining topics are frequently highlighted in student reviews. With a 4.7 instructor rating from over 2,494 reviews, it’s evident that Dr. Pettit has made a significant impact on his students, guiding them through their learning journey with expertise and enthusiasm.
Impact on Students
The direct feedback from students underscores Dr. Pettit’s effectiveness as an instructor. Many describe him as a “superb teacher,” praising his skills in making the course content accessible and comprehensible. This positive impact is a crucial aspect of the learning experience, as students feel supported and confident in their understanding of the material, thanks to Dr. Pettit’s guidance.
In conclusion, Dr. Steven Pettit stands out not just for his impressive credentials but for his ability to connect with and inspire his students. His deep understanding of pharmacy, combined with his practical experience and passion for teaching, makes him an invaluable asset to the Udemy platform and, most importantly, to students eager to embark on a career in pharmacy.
Course Structure: A Comprehensive Learning Journey
The structure of the “Become a Pharmacy Technician” course is thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of learners, from complete beginners to those with some prior knowledge in the field. This self-paced, video-based study guide is meticulously organized to cover all the essential areas needed to prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, offering a comprehensive roadmap to certification.
Curriculum Design
The course unfolds over a recommended six-week period, but its self-paced nature allows students the flexibility to adjust their learning according to their schedules. This is particularly beneficial for learners who are balancing other commitments such as work or family. The curriculum is divided into manageable sections, each focusing on a specific area of pharmacy practice, from understanding pharmacy law and common abbreviations to mastering pharmaceutical calculations.
Each section builds on the previous one, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation of knowledge before moving on to more complex topics. This progressive approach helps in cementing understanding and retaining information, which is crucial for passing the certification exam.
Content and Resources
One of the standout features of the course is the rich array of resources provided. How-to videos, drug lists, commonly seen abbreviations, pharmaceutical calculations, and sample test questions are just some of the materials that students have access to. These resources are designed to cater to different learning styles, whether you’re a visual learner who benefits from videos or someone who likes to drill down into the details with lists and written content.
Moreover, the course includes practical components, such as quizzes at the end of each section, to test understanding and reinforce learning. This hands-on approach ensures that students can apply what they’ve learned in a practical context, mirroring the challenges they will face in the exam and in their future roles as pharmacy technicians.
Adaptability and Support
The course’s structure is also designed with adaptability in mind. Recognizing that each student’s learning pace can vary, the course offers the flexibility to either speed up or slow down as needed. This adaptability extends to the support provided throughout the course. Students are encouraged to take a slow and steady approach, with reminders that mastering the material is more important than rushing through the content.
In sum, the “Become a Pharmacy Technician” course on Udemy is structured to provide a comprehensive, flexible, and supportive learning experience. Its carefully designed curriculum, combined with a wealth of resources and a flexible pacing, makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician. Through this course, learners are not just preparing for an exam; they are building a foundation for a successful career in pharmacy.
Content Quality: A Deep Dive into the Heart of Pharmacy
The content quality of the “Become a Pharmacy Technician” course is a pivotal element that sets it apart in the crowded field of online education. With a curriculum that is both comprehensive and detailed, the course offers an in-depth exploration of the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel as a pharmacy technician. This section of the review will break down the components that contribute to the high content quality of this Udemy offering.
Depth and Breadth of Material
Dr. Steven Pettit has curated a course that goes beyond the surface level, diving deep into the topics that are critical for pharmacy technicians. From reading sig codes and performing pharmacy math to understanding the nuances of pharmacy law and the differences between brand and generic equivalents, the course covers a wide array of subjects. Each topic is presented with clarity and depth, ensuring that students not only learn the material but also understand its application in a real-world setting.
The course’s inclusion of how-to videos, drug lists, and sample test questions enriches the learning experience. These resources are crafted to enhance understanding and retention of the material, making complex concepts more accessible. The practical exercises and quizzes reinforce the learning objectives, ensuring that students can apply their knowledge effectively.
Clarity and Accessibility
One of the course’s strengths lies in its clarity and accessibility. The content is structured in a way that is easy to follow, making it suitable for individuals who are new to the field of pharmacy as well as those looking to refresh their knowledge. Dr. Pettit’s teaching style, which has been praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, plays a significant role in making the content approachable. His ability to distill complex concepts into understandable segments without oversimplifying is a valuable aspect of the course’s content quality.
Continuous Learning and Support
The course encourages continuous learning and provides ample support to students. With updates and additional resources, students are given the tools to keep their knowledge current. The inclusion of external links, such as the web URLs for all 50 State Boards of Pharmacy, is an example of how the course goes above and beyond to support students’ learning journeys and future careers.
Overall Course Rating: 9/10
Considering the instructor’s reputation, the course structure, and the quality of the content, the “Become a Pharmacy Technician” course on Udemy is awarded a rating of 9 out of 10. This high rating reflects the course’s success in providing a thorough, accessible, and engaging learning experience. It acknowledges the minor areas for improvement, such as updating resources for compatibility with new systems, but these do not significantly diminish the overall quality and value of the course.
Student Feedback
The feedback from students who have taken the course is overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the depth of knowledge shared, the practical applications, and the engaging teaching style of Dr. Pettit. While there are some criticisms regarding the compatibility of course resources with newer systems, this does not significantly detract from the overall learning experience. The positive reviews and testimonials highlight the course’s effectiveness in preparing students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and a career in pharmacy.
Curriculum and Resources
The carefully curated curriculum and the wealth of resources available to students are standout features of this course. The material is not only comprehensive but also up-to-date, relevant, and presented in a manner that facilitates learning and retention. The course’s structure, which allows for flexibility in learning pace, further enhances the educational experience, making it adaptable to the needs of a diverse student body.
In conclusion, whether you’re exploring a career as a pharmacy technician or looking to certify your existing skills, this course offers a solid foundation and a comprehensive path to achieving your goals. With its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, guided by an experienced and engaging instructor, it stands out as a leading choice for pharmacy technician education online.
