Tonya Welch, CPhT
Program Director and Associate Professor
Guilford Technical Community College
Winston Salem, NC
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
18 Years
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
I became a pharmacy technician in 1991 after being asked to apprentice in the pharmacy at Kmart, where I was working as a cashier. I was still in high school at the time, and the pharmacists there recognized something in me that they wanted to guide and shape. I initially went to college thinking that I wanted to become a pharmacist. However, life got in the way, and I was not able to pursue that course of study. I chose the career of pharmacy technician, doing everything that I could to advance in the profession.
How long have you been practicing?
I was a practicing pharmacy technician for 14 years before becoming a pharmacy technician educator and starting the program with the first cohort of pharmacy technology students at Guilford Technical Community College in January 2006.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I am proud to be able to educate and train students to become the best pharmacy technicians they can be. I love being a voice for the profession and passing my passion for the career on to others.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
My most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician has been in the educator role. Assisting students to find that "aha" moment when they finally grasp a concept that they have been struggling to comprehend and realize that they can be successful.
Why did you become certified?
I became certified in 1996 to qualify for a position in a hospital pharmacy. I had applied an interviewed for a position previously and they would not consider me because lacked hospital experience and was not certified After becoming certified, I applied again and was hired even though I still lacked experience in the hospital setting. Taking the initiative to become certified spoke to my drive to advance in the profession.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
I think that anyone who wants to work in the medical field needs to be able to prove that they are passionate and goal oriented. Do not be discouraged by initial rejections. Let those rejections drive you to do what it takes to overcome any perceived deficiencies and try again. This type of behavior will show that you can be an asset to any employer.