Pharmacy Tech Graduate reflects on her program experience

Katherine Butterworth always had an interest in working in the medical field. With her previous roles in the customer service arena, she discovered she had a genuine interest in helping people and thrived in a fast-paced environment. After a friend talked to her about her own experience in the Pharmacy Technician program at KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education, Butterworth was encouraged to apply and pursue her interest.

“I needed something that I enjoyed doing and could learn from,” Butterworth said. “I’m not a ‘sit behind a desk’ kind of person, and this was something that would keep me on my toes.”

Her experience and prior education allowed her to pick up the class material quickly. In the classroom, she felt her teachers had a great grasp on the subject. Butterworth also enjoyed having professionals from the field sharing their insight. The hands-on format and class setting encouraged peer interaction and allowed Butterworth to received one-on-one guidance from her instructors.

“I’d have to say the hospital tour and seeing the field in action was my favorite part,” Butterworth said. “This program helped me to have the confidence and knowledge prior to walking in the doors the first day of work.”

Two days after completing the 65-hour certificate program, Butterworth accepted a job offer working as a pharmacy technician at a local Publix pharmacy. Her responsibilities include filling scripts, entering scripts, and interacting with insurance companies and customers.

She has found that many of the skills she learned in class transferred to her job site. The hands-on skills lab she did during the program is something that helped her as she began her job. For Butterworth, the program is an experience she does not regret. She hopes to further her skill set and continue to learn and grow within the field.

“I had a job within two days of completing this course and that was thanks to the people that are part of this program,” Butterworth said.

The program is offered in the evening and daytime formats and helps prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam. Financial assistance options include payment plans, loans, VA Education Benefits and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding.

For more information, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu, email cehealthcare@kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-6765.