Dec. 8, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.
Faith Kelly just wanted to support her mom when she enrolled in GRCC’s Workforce Training Pharmacy Technician program.
“My aunt is a pharmacy technician and my mom wanted to take the class, but not by herself; so I agreed to take it with her.”
Kelly previously worked in the service-retail sector. After graduating from high school, she didn’t know what was next for her.
“I was dual enrolled at GRCC for a while and I graduated early. Then COVID-19 hit so I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.”
A pharmacy technician is a health specialist who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in the various activities of the pharmacy department.
“The class was really interesting and the instructor was nice,” Kelly said. “I had to memorize over 200 different drugs, and what they are used for.”
GRCC’s Pharmacy Technician training program is offered in a 15-week hybrid format. Class is taught online with the exception of three in-person labs.
“The schedule was nice for me. It gave me the flexibility to continue to work while going through the training. I did really enjoy the in-person labs. They were really interesting,” Kelly said.
“I now work for Meijer as a Pharmacy Technician. My job is completely remote which is really nice, especially on bad weather days. I basically take the prescriptions that a doctor submits and input that information into a system that covers six different states. It’s amazing how many I can do in a day. I’m just starting out and I can probably process 225 per day!”
The pre-certification class prepares students to take the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam. Training utilizes textbooks from the American Pharmacists Association, and trains individuals to work in a retail or hospital environment.
“Once I get my license, I will get a raise,” she said. “Plus, Meijer has many opportunities for moving up in the company. So, if I want to change it up in the future, I can. I like that I am learning about so many different medications and even though it sounds like the same thing all day, it’s not. I like how each day is different.”
Next program begins Jan. 10, 2022. Go to grcc.edu/healthcare for more information.
