Charlotte Hook, CPhT-Adv, CSPT
Coordinator, Technician Education and Development
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
7
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
I fell into pharmacy when I was in university. I took a position as a trainee pharmacy clerk in a community pharmacy for spending money. I had not intended to be there long term, and I had not anticipated how much this role would contribute to both my growth and stability. It turned out to be a great fit for me and really anchored me through some formative years. Bachelor's degree in hand, I looked at other career paths and realized that I wanted to be a career pharmacy technician.
How long have you been practicing?
I have practiced as a pharmacy technician since 2002.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I'm most proud of the number of pharmacy technicians that I have introduced to this career field, or mentored through the certification exam, or assisted with their professional development.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
The COVID-19 pandemic stands out as a pivotal moment due to the incredible teamwork within our department to ensure medication continued reaching patients. Compounding technicians from community sites joined us in the evenings to help manage the increased volume of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs), while our own technicians quickly adapted to daily process changes. The demands placed on the technician staff were significant, yet they consistently rose to the challenges, enabling us to meet the critical needs of our patients.
Why did you become certified?
I originally practiced as a pharmacy technician in the U.K. and became nationally certified in the U.S. in 2012.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
I've mentioned a few times that the more opportunities I have said "yes" to, the more opportunities I have been offered. I’m not always confident I can do what’s asked, but I am going to try and learn from my missteps. Professional development is something you should do for your career growth, so be prepared to invest in yourself by paying for membership even if your employer doesn't reimburse.
Charlotte Hook was the 2024 recipient of the ASHP Pharmacy Technician Forum Distinguished Service Award. Check out this podcast: A Conversation with Distinguished Service Awardee for the Pharmacy Technician Forum to learn more.