Christina Loof, CPhT
Manager of Operations - Retail
Fairview Pharmacy
Minneapolis, MN
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
9
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
I think my love for helping others really put being a pharmacy technician on my radar. Before becoming a technician, I worked in a grocery store, and I loved when customers asked me questions and I was able to help them find what they needed. When I worked in the community pharmacy I was able to help patients with their medications, and building those relationships made my day. My role has shifted now that I'm in operations and my focus is now on helping our pharmacy staff.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been a technician for 16 years, and I became certified in 2011.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I am most proud of making the hard decision to leave a company that I was with for about 10 years to go where I am now. If I didn't make that move, I wouldn’t have gotten any of the chances for growth that I have had. As soon as I realized that I was already at the furthest level I could reach in pharmacy, I knew I had to make the decision to leave. I do not regret it for one second. Did I ever see myself being in the role I am now when I made that move? No way! But that just goes to show you that sometimes you have to make those tough decisions, the scary decisions, to really see what else is out there.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
This is a hard question! Being a technician for 16 years, I have a lot of moments that are memorable. A more recent experience was helping our company work with the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organization on suicide prevention. One area of my job is supplies, and we were asked to put the logo and phone number for the Minnesota veteran suicide prevention collaborative on our prescription bags. And to be a part of the celebration with the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organization is something that I won’t forget.
Why did you become certified?
Truthfully, I first became certified for the pay bump. But in the end, I am so thankful that I became certified. It really gave me the confidence that I needed for my role as a pharmacy technician at that time.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
Not to be scared of it. The pharmacy world is not as scary as it can seem. If you have any interest in becoming a pharmacy technician, and you’re not sure if you want to take this path, maybe start out as a clerk in a pharmacy to get a feel for it and then move to a pharmacy technician role. At our company, I am always happy to see our clerks transition to a pharmacy technician role.