One of the questions we ask every new RxTechExam learner is simple:
“What was your previous occupation before becoming a pharmacy technician?”
After reviewing more than 5,000 student responses, one thing became abundantly clear:
There is no such thing as a “typical” future pharmacy technician.
We’ve welcomed students who were:
• Teachers inspiring the next generation.
• Military veterans continuing a life of service.
• Medical assistants, CNAs, EMTs, and phlebotomists expanding their healthcare careers.
• Retail associates, cashiers, and customer service professionals bringing exceptional communication skills.
• Restaurant servers, bartenders, and baristas who know how to thrive in fast-paced environments.
• Engineers, software developers, accountants, scientists, project managers, and IT professionals looking for more meaningful work.
• Stay-at-home parents returning to the workforce.
• College students searching for their first healthcare career.
• International pharmacists and healthcare professionals pursuing opportunities in the United States.
What struck me wasn’t just the diversity of careers.
It was the diversity of dreams.
Some wanted a stable career.
Some wanted to help patients.
Some needed flexibility while attending college.
Some were already working in a pharmacy and wanted to become nationally certified.
Some had spent years in another profession and were ready to write a new chapter.
Every one of those journeys matters.
As pharmacy leaders, we often focus on workforce shortages, recruitment, and retention. But perhaps the bigger opportunity is recognizing that our future workforce is already here. They’re teaching classrooms, serving meals, stocking shelves, working in warehouses, caring for patients, raising families, and studying for tomorrow.
They simply need someone to show them that pharmacy is a place where their experiences are valued, not erased.
At RxTechExam, we’ve always believed that pharmacy technicians don’t all come from the same background, but they can all share the same purpose: improving patient care.
The next exceptional pharmacy technician may not be working in a pharmacy today.
They may be serving your coffee, teaching your child, driving a delivery truck, coding software, or working a night shift somewhere, wondering what comes next.
Our profession is stronger because of the different experiences people bring with them.
Your previous occupation isn’t your limitation. It’s part of your story.
That’s why we’re also launching our RxTechExam Vocal Video Story Collection. We want to capture the voices of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student leaders, educators, residents, and every pharmacy professional willing to share their journey. Your story could be the one that gives someone else the confidence to take their first step into pharmacy.
If you’d like to inspire the next generation of pharmacy professionals, we’d be honored to feature your story.
Question of the Week
What was your career before pharmacy, and how has it made you a better pharmacy professional?
I’d love to hear your story—and I hope you’ll consider sharing it with the next generation.
Wishing you success,
Dr. Abel Guevara III, CPhTAdv
