Erin Atkins, CPhT, CSPT
Lead Pediatric Pharmacy Technician
WVU Medicine Children's
Morgantown, WV
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
14 Years
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
I’ve always known that I wanted to help people my whole life. From being a lifeguard to working in pharmacy, I've been dedicated to helping people from the time I was old enough to have a job.
How long have you been practicing?
I worked in a community pharmacy for 2 years, and I have been in an inpatient hospital pharmacy role for 14 years now.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I'm most proud of my contribution to the establishment of our brand-new children's hospital! I was part of the whole process, from planning and design of the pharmacy, med rooms, to operating rooms, and more! I oversaw designing, networking, stocking, and moving all our automated dispensing cabinets and the controlled substance manager for the new hospital as well. I then helped train all our new technicians in all roles for the new hospital from sterile compounding, hazardous compounding, deliveries, non-sterile compounding, controlled substance dispensing, and more!
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
My most memorable moments are opening the new children's hospital and winning several awards for excellence in patient care and building a better workplace.
Why did you become certified?
I became certified so I would have the most knowledge I could coming into the field of pharmacy and being able to teach others.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
You won't regret your decision to go into pharmacy. This is a fun, fast paced, and rewarding field. You'll always learn something new with all the latest advances in medication therapies.