Jennifer Abel, MEd, CPhT
Medication Safety Assistant
Summa Health
Akron, OH
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
8
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
I was working as the cashier supervisor at Target at the time and there was a job posting for a pharmacy technician and I thought it seemed interesting after talking with the pharmacist. I was going to college to become a teacher and never thought pharmacy would be my permanent career.
How long have you been practicing?
Twenty-four years
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
Being named the Residency Program Pharmacy Technician of the Year twice.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
When I was still in community pharmacy, I once helped a patient save $10,000 on a medication that they could not afford by guiding them through the patient assistance process.
Why did you become certified?
At the time I became certified in 2004, certification was not required in the state of Ohio. However, it seemed like the next logical step for me. Since my employer was going to pay for the test, I thought I would give it a try and what do you know? I passed! I still remember the very first question on the test.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
You are more than just a pharmacy technician. Take an interest in your patients, the processes around the pharmacy and anything else that you can. Especially if it interests you.