By Erin Michael, MBA, MS, CPhT, PCCA Director of Member Engagement

Earlier this year, I authored a post here on The PCCA Blog about the evolving role of the pharmacy technician. While that was only a few months ago, the opportunities as well as the roles and responsibilities of the traditional pharmacy technician have continued to expand. For example, pharmacy technicians played a huge part in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccinations overall will continue to put pharmacy technicians in a position to grow within the health care team. You can learn more about that, and the National Pharmacy Technician Association’s vaccination certification program, through the link at the end of this article.

That blog post was just the start of a series of articles in which we will explore additional opportunities that are available for pharmacy technicians. I hope that the experts we feature in this series are an inspiration to other pharmacy technicians and give you a glimpse at what is possible within your career — keep an eye out for their advice to both new and experienced technicians. Jennifer Petska is the first of the professionals within the pharmacy technician world that we will be featuring in this series. I hope you enjoy her story and find her insights valuable.

Jennifer L. Petska, CPhT, pictured above, is the Chief of Staff, Director of Operations and Pharmacy Compounding Foundation Administrator at the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.

How did you get started in the pharmacy field?

I got a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. I started working at Hawkins Chemical in the pharmacy division as the lone customer service representative selling APIs to compounding pharmacies in the late 1990s. From there, I moved to a sales position at PCCA, where I started to learn more about what compounding was and how passionate everyone in the industry is.

I completed PCCA’s basic compounding class (now called CORE Compounding Training) with hands-on training, as well as the sterile training class, and I was also able to attend several International Seminars and regional meetings. I particularly loved attending the educational sessions.

PCCA encouraged me to become a certified pharmacy technician and to join the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP), now the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC). In 2003, I decided to pursue becoming a certified pharmacy technician to gain a better understanding of pharmacies’ behind-the-scenes operations. I also joined IACP that same year to learn what challenges compounders were facing and how I could be part of the solution.

Later, I worked for other suppliers as a sales representative and cleanroom design specialist. To continue my education, I attended the American College of Apothecaries’ sterile training class and the National Pharmacy Technician Association sterile compounding certification class, both of which allowed me to see how other organizations provided training.

Later in my career, I started attending Compounders on Capitol Hill and learning the importance of advocacy. I made a career change in 2015 when I began working at IACP as the director of membership and the IACP Foundation administrator, where I worked with many of the same compounders — but this time from an advocacy perspective. IACP and the IACP Foundation have both changed their names, and along with their growth, my role has changed, too. I am now the chief of staff and director of operations at APC, while continuing my role as foundation administrator.

How have you seen the role of the pharmacy technician evolve over the years?

I’ve seen more pharmacy technicians in leadership positions within pharmacies and also among pharmacy associations, boards of directors and as educators. It’s really exciting to see how valued technicians have become within the industry.

If you had a crystal ball, what would the role of the pharmacy technician look like in 10 years?

I think we are going to see an expanded role for pharmacy technicians whether it is in leadership or specialization. We are already seeing that with the additional certifications that the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board has created. I would also like to think that more technicians will be mentored and brought into the fold in new positions and will have a seat at the table where decisions are being made.

What advice would you give someone who is a new pharmacy technician or thinking about becoming one?

Find someone whom you admire, and reach out to them. It is so helpful to have a network of individuals who understand what you are going through and can offer advice or just friendship. I would also encourage you to continue to learn throughout your career. Education is something you never regret. Complete the certified pharmacy technician exam and other certifications — they will not only give you a leg up, but they’ll also demonstrate your passion and dedication. Lifelong learning is key.

What advice would you give experienced technicians about advancing their careers?

Network, network, network. Talk with other technicians, other pharmacists, your suppliers, your patients and anyone else in the industry. You never know what connections you may make and how they may help you (or you them) in the future. This community is very giving, and I’ve found some of the smartest, kindest and most wonderful people who are always willing to help. I’ve called this community my “pharma-family” for years.

How has being a technician helped you grow in your professional life?

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician reinforced my love of the profession, and it gave me confidence in talking to others in the community by giving me such a strong base of knowledge. I was able to ask good questions and learn a lot from the people I respected. That confidence made it easier for me to network. All of the employment opportunities I have had in compounding have been due to networking, and because I had the confidence to apply for roles that challenged me to grow. If I hadn’t taken that step to become a pharmacy technician, I don’t believe I would be where I am today. It really was the steppingstone that launched my career.

Also on The PCCA Blog: Professional Opportunities for the Pharmacy Technician of Today

Erin Michael, MBA, MS, CPhT, PCCA Director of Member Engagement, joined the PCCA staff in July 2006. She has been working in pharmacy for more than 25 years, of which 23 have been in compounding and promoting the practice of pharmacy. She previously worked for an independent pharmacy owner and was the general manager of multiple locations. Erin was instrumental in developing and implementing programs to promote and grow the compounding and traditional parts of that business. She holds an MBA in healthcare administration and an MS in hospitality management. She was recognized as PCCA Technician of the Month in August 1999 and California Pharmacists Association Technician of the Year in 2003.