At RxTechExam, we believe that behind every great profession are individuals who choose to show up, grow, and lead. This week, we are proud to highlight an incredible pharmacy professional, Amanda Abernathy, whose journey reflects exactly what is possible in this field.
Amanda’s story is one that so many in our profession can relate to, yet it is also one that stands out. With 17 years of experience as a pharmacy technician, she has built a career that spans outpatient pharmacy, inpatient care, discharge services, insurance, and healthcare technology. Today, she serves as a Pharmacy Technician Training Program Manager at UPMC, where she is leading system wide efforts to build and accredit technician training programs.
But what makes Amanda’s journey truly powerful is not just where she is today. It is how she got there.
Her career did not start with a clear roadmap. In fact, she originally applied for a front store position at CVS before being introduced to the pharmacy technician role. That moment changed everything. From there, she embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and expand her impact across the profession.
Her advice to new technicians is both simple and profound. Be aware of impostor syndrome and be intentional about your growth. Too often, professionals underestimate their value or feel like they do not belong. Amanda reminds us that every expert was once a beginner, and growth comes from asking questions, building confidence, and staying engaged.
She also emphasizes something we deeply believe at RxTechExam, your career is yours to build. By communicating with leaders, exploring advanced roles, and staying connected to the profession through organizations, technicians can open doors they may not have even known existed.
Her journey is best captured in her own words: “The main thing is a combination of passion and hard work, being excited about what I’m doing, interested, engaged in what I’m doing, and then working hard to complete the tasks that are part of my everyday job.”
That mindset is what transforms a job into a career.
Amanda’s path also highlights the importance of seeing opportunities where others may not. She identified gaps in training, proposed solutions, and even helped create new roles within her organization. More importantly, she advocated for herself and demonstrated the value she could bring. That level of ownership and leadership is what continues to move our profession forward.
Her story reinforces a critical truth. The pharmacy technician profession is not limited. It is evolving. It is expanding. And it is full of opportunity for those who are willing to invest in themselves.
At RxTechExam, we are committed to supporting that journey. Whether you are just getting started or looking to take the next step, there is a pathway for you. Professionals like Amanda are proof of what is possible when passion meets purpose.
We encourage you to take a moment to hear her story and connect with her journey!
The future of pharmacy is being built by individuals like Amanda. And the next story we tell could be yours. Let’s keep moving the profession forward. Together.
Wishing you success,
Dr. Abel Guevara III, CPhTAdv