Speaker: William Soles, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Harris Teeter
How did you get started as pharmacy tech?
William Soles: So growing up, I, I was always fascinated by healthcare, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. Most of my family was in it. And so when I turned 16, I started looking for healthcare-related jobs and opportunities in my small town. However, there weren't many for my age. And then I came across an opening as a pharmacy assistant at McNeil's Long Term Care Pharmacy, and I made sure I applied to that. I was so excited about having the chance to actually work in healthcare, especially at an age where that doesn't usually happen as an opportunity. I got to help in the pharmacy and learned firsthand, and that experience confirmed to me that healthcare is where I belonged. It kept me busy. It made me happy, and it allowed me to contribute to something bigger than myself. So then in 2024, I completed the RX Tech exam program with the 123 CPHT program and I became a certified pharmacy technician at the age of 17. And I was still in high school, so I didn't really have the flexibility to take a pharmacy technician course offered in person at a community college, and the RX tech exam program fit around my schedule and my schooling, which was very important to me. It made it possible for me to take the next step while I was in high school. So what I've started as a way to get involved. Became the foundation of my healthcare journey.
What has helped you advance into your current role?
William Soles: So there are actually 3 things that really helped me advance. Completing the RX Tech exam 123 CPHT program gave me that foundation and the skills to complete my day to day tasks. The hands-on hours is where I've learned something new every day, and the mentors who took the time to guide me. Pharmacy is an ever-changing field, and having that training, daily problem solving and support system has helped me grow tremendously.
What advice would you give to someone entering the pharmacy technician field?
William Soles: My advice to someone entering the pharmacy technician field would be to stay curious, ask questions, and learn from the people around you. Part of being human is being that rough stone and needing somebody to come along and shine you up, right? So the people around you are going to guide you and mentor you, and it's important to stay open-minded to that. Every day we are faced with new challenges in pharmacy, and I'm always learning myself. So make sure that you're taking safety, accuracy, and communication very seriously because that can make the world's difference in patient care. And remember that behind every prescription is a person who deserves to feel seen and cared for. And if something doesn't feel right, speak up to a pharmacist or somebody around you and ask for help, and that's OK. Sometimes I like to remind myself. And there's always a right time to do the right thing, but never a right time to do the wrong thing.
