Sheena Thompson, DHA(c), MPH, CPhT
Principal Consultant
Intensity Health Solutions
Winter Garden, FL
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
One year.
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
Becoming a pharmacy technician wasn’t something I planned, but I am truly grateful every day for the path I’ve chosen. My journey began at Walmart, where I initially assisted the pharmacy staff as a cashier. After a conversation with the pharmacy manager, I discovered the Walmart Associates Scholarship program and decided to enroll in a pharmacy technician program.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been practicing for 13 years.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I am immensely proud of my impactful service to the healthcare community and my significant personal and professional growth, which began as a part-time community pharmacy technician at Walmart. Today, I am a leader in consulting, bridging public health vision, health system operations, pharmacy excellence, and community voice.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
I had an impactful experience traveling to various CVS specialty pharmacies across the country, where I served as a pharmacy software ambassador and trainer.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
- Get certified immediately. Your certification credential isn’t just about dispensing medication; it demonstrates professionalism and opens doors to better opportunities and higher pay from day one.
- Think beyond the counter. The skills you develop, navigating insurance systems, managing prior authorizations, patient communication, and understanding healthcare operations, translate into countless healthcare careers. My pharmacy technician foundation led me into specialty pharmacy operations, health data analytics, and, eventually, healthcare consulting.
- Diversify your experience. Community, hospital, and specialty pharmacy each offer unique learning opportunities. Specialty pharmacy particularly exposes you to complex medication management and patient assistance programs that differentiate you professionally.
- Master the “ boring” stuff. Prior authorizations and insurance navigation seem tedious, but excellence here makes you invaluable.
- Learn the business side. Understanding metrics, reimbursement, and operational efficiency transforms you from operational to strategic. When you connect daily work to patient outcomes and financial performance, you become indispensable.
- Find pharmacist mentors. They’ll teach you clinical reasoning and advocate for your growth. The best pharmacists I worked with accelerated my career development exponentially.
- Embrace technology. Pharmacy is increasingly automated and data-driven. Comfort with pharmacy management systems and data analytics keeps you competitive and relevant.
The pharmacy technician role provides a solid healthcare foundation with remarkable growth potential, whether you stay in pharmacy operations, pursue advanced education, or transition into health informatics, administration, or consulting.