Chalyon Harris, CPhT, CSPT
Regulatory and Compliance Technician
WVU Medicine
Morgantown, WV
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
2
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
I was actually pursing a different degree when I started taking pharmacology classes. I realized I thoroughly enjoyed what I was learning about, which led me to explore other career options that were more medication focused. This led me to enroll in the pharmacy technician program offered by my local junior college.
How long have you been practicing?
Two years
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I am proud of my Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) certification. Because I attended a pharmacy technician program to earn my associate degree, I was eligible to sit for the CSPT exam two years earlier than technicians who did not graduate from an academic program. At the time, I was compounding sterile products daily, and obtaining this certification gave me a better understanding of the regulations we must follow and strengthened my technical skills in the IV room.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
Helping my hospital build my current position. As a regulatory and compliance technician, I have a vital role in maintaining the integrity of sterile compounding and regulatory standards within my hospital’s inpatient pharmacies. My responsibilities include monthly surface sampling of sterile preparation areas, including collection, incubation, result reading, and generating necessary reports for leadership. Additionally, I complete unit inspections across multiple clinics to ensure compliance with Joint Commission standards. This position has provided me with an incredible opportunity to expand my knowledge as a technician. I gain new insights into regulatory and compliance requirements, sterile compounding practices, and quality assurance every day. The experience I've gained in this position has been invaluable to me and my future as a pharmacy technician.
Why did you become certified?
I was eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by PTCB after completing my associate degree. Becoming certified was the natural next step after graduation because I knew it would make me a more competitive candidate in the job market. Earning my certification was a way for me to demonstrate my knowledge in the field and strengthen my application, which helped me secure my current role.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
Never stop learning and always be a student. Strive to soak up all the knowledge you can like a sponge. The pharmaceutical industry is ever evolving, so there is always something new to discover!