Kelli Johnson, CPhT-Adv, PMP, CDTP
Pharmacy Operations Specialist
Clearway Health
Portland, OR
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
New Position with Clearway Health in 2025
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
I became a pharmacy technician when I was 22 years old, after an unexpected but meaningful transition from working as a bartender. While I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the social aspects of bartending, I started feeling the need for something more stable and purpose-driven.
My opportunity came by chance when I took a position as a pharmacy clerk. At first, it was just a job change, and I worked just part time. But the more time I spent in that environment, the more I realized how much I valued being part of a team that helps people in a tangible way. I found myself fascinated by the process behind medications, insurance, and patient care, and I admired the technicians and pharmacists who made it all happen. I was asked to attend the in-house training program to become a technician. I decided to learn more, take the necessary steps, and become a pharmacy technician myself. It was a big shift, but it felt right. Moving from serving drinks to serving the community in a healthcare setting has been incredibly rewarding.
I was fortunate to work under pharmacists who genuinely believed in my potential. They took the time to teach me, answer my questions, and encourage me to take on more responsibility. Their support helped me see that there was so much room to grow and specialize as a technician.
Thanks to their guidance, I've found a deep sense of fulfillment in what I do. Being a pharmacy technician has given me the opportunity to continually learn, help others, and be part of a team that truly makes a difference. I'm proud of the path I've taken, and I'm excited to keep growing in this profession. Regardless of my position or additional credentials, I am a career pharmacy technician.
How long have you been practicing?
25 years
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
One of the things I am most proud of is the impact I’ve had on the professional growth of pharmacy technicians and the advancement of our role within the healthcare system. Throughout my journey, from pharmacy technician to supervisor to program manager, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring others, creating development programs, and implementing career ladders that have opened real pathways for others in the field.
What began as a chance entry into pharmacy has grown into a fulfilling career rooted in advocacy, education, and leadership. I’m especially proud of the pharmacy technician training program I developed and led. Seeing others succeed and thrive in this profession because of the opportunities and structure I helped create has been incredibly rewarding.
I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors who believed in me, and I strive to pay that forward every day by creating environments where others can grow, be heard, and feel empowered. Contributing to the evolution and recognition of pharmacy technicians on both a local and national scale has truly been the highlight of my career.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
One of the most memorable moments of my career was receiving the 2024 Distinguished Service Award for Pharmacy Practice from the Oregon Society of Health-System Pharmacists (OSHP). What made this moment especially meaningful was not just the recognition itself, but the fact that I was the first pharmacy technician in our local chapter’s history to ever receive this honor.
Why did you become certified?
I initially became PTCB certified in 2005 out of necessity, after moving across the country and needing to meet national credentialing requirements to continue working in pharmacy. At the time, it felt like just another box to check. But it quickly became clear that being nationally certified offered much more than just job portability.
Becoming PTCB certified opened up new doors for me, both professionally and personally. It gave me a deeper understanding of pharmacy, expanded my confidence in my knowledge base, and provided access to roles that required a higher level of credibility and expertise. Over time, I realized it wasn’t just a requirement, it was an opportunity to grow and elevate my practice.
That certification became a stepping stone to advanced roles, leadership positions, and, ultimately, to mentoring others pursuing the same path. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career, and it continues to be a foundation for my ongoing growth in the field.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
My biggest piece of advice for new pharmacy technicians is simple: say yes. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Some of the most rewarding and transformative moments in my career came from taking on roles or projects I wasn’t sure I was ready for. But I showed up, I learned, and I grew.
Don’t wait until you feel perfectly prepared; you become ready by doing. Whether it’s stepping into a new workflow, joining a committee, mentoring a peer, or exploring certification and training programs, every opportunity you say yes to builds your skill set and confidence.
Most importantly, embrace being a lifelong learner. Pharmacy is an ever-evolving field, and staying curious, adaptable, and open to growth will set you apart. Be the person who asks questions, seeks feedback, and keeps learning, because the more you invest in yourself, the more doors will open.
Your journey doesn’t end once you get certified — it’s only just beginning.