Student Stories
Michelle Schleich
COCC Pharmacy Technician graduate
Certified Pharmacy Technician, St. Charles Health System
When Michelle Schleich faced an unexpected layoff during the COVID-19 pandemic, the former newspaper graphic designer was determined to adapt — but encountered some immediate realities. “Being over the age of 50, I soon found out my job skills were outdated and I had no choice but to get retrained,” she says.
A career in the pharmacy industry interested Schleich for its numerous job opportunities, stability, benefits, and better pay. Once she found the COCC Pharmacy Technician program, she was confident it would be a great fit. “It’s thorough in covering all aspects of pharmacy, not just the actual drugs and procedures, but the history and legal responsibilities.” Learning online — on her own schedule — provided flexibility and Schleich was able to study and take classes when it best fit.
The hands-on lab sessions were particularly crucial, she emphasizes. “I found the lab time to be extremely eye-opening, allowing the practice of some of the skills I now use daily and to get the opportunity to talk with my instructors about real-world experiences and job opportunities.”
"It’s thorough in covering all aspects of pharmacy, not just the actual drugs and procedures, but the history and legal responsibilities."
An internship experience with St. Charles Bend as part of her COCC education served as a “test drive” for the working world and later transitioned into a job for Schleich. “After being at St. Charles for 10 months now, I feel like the program did a great job of preparing me,” she shares.
Troy Gallagher
COCC Pharmacy Technician graduate
Certified Pharmacy Technician, Option Care Health Infusion Therapy
“I had been working in the construction industry since 2003 and it was taking a toll on my body,” says Gallagher. “I remember reading an article in The Bulletin about the Pharmacy Tech program at COCC, and after doing some research on job availability, I decided that it was for me.”
"Getting to experience what I would be doing as a pharmacy technician was invaluable and showed me the variety of options out there for certified pharmacy technicians."
He continues, “The two practicums we did during the final term were what I enjoyed the most. We got the chance to get some real-life experience in two different pharmacy settings: retail and hospital. Getting to experience what I would be doing as a pharmacy technician was invaluable and showed me the variety of options out there for certified pharmacy technicians.”