Technician's Corner

Pharmacy Technician Spotlight Features Teri Denning

Where do you work and what is your position?
I work as the Lead Compounding Technician at Alpine Apothecary in Whitefish. 

What motivated you to become a pharmacy technician? Why did you become certified?
I started working as a Pharmacy Technician back in 1993 in Washington state. Honestly, I didn't realize I wanted this career path until the opportunity fell into my lap. Over the past 27 years, I've enjoyed working in both retail and hospital settings. I've also enjoyed being a part of the Pyxis Implementation Committee at Multicare-Good Samaritan Hospital. I became certified upon moving to Montana in 2017. 

What is your favorite thing about being an MPA member?
I appreciate the advocacy of the association for the professional interests of pharmacists and technicians.   

What is your latest accomplishment?
Since joining Alpine Apothecary a year ago, I've not only learned and expanded my knowledge of non-sterile compounding, but have become the Lead Compounding Technician.   

What are your passions outside of work?
I love spending time with family. I'm married with three children and 2 grandchildren. I love to travel, enjoy the water, kayaking, hiking and lots of sunshine!  

What advice do you have for other Pharmacy Technicians?
My advice to other Pharmacy Technicians is to continue learning all you can and find your niche. The Pharmacy world is constantly changing and bringing new opportunities for you to explore. 

What are the qualities of a good Pharmacy Technician? 

Incredible work ethic? Positive energy? Can-do attitude? Challenge junkie? Sincere heart for patients and their needs? I could go on and on.  Introducing Krista Schrader who embodies all this and more.  I had the opportunity to visit with Krista, pharmacy technician with The Clinical Pharmacy at Northwest Healthcare of Kalispell, Montana to discuss her career, her thoughts about the industry and the direction she would like to see the field take.  Read the full article about Krista, provided by Angela Jensen.

PTCB previously produced a short film that highlights the role of the pharmacy technician and the importance of PTCB certification. The film features leaders within the pharmacy community and certified technicians who speak about their own experiences.  View the video.

Do you wonder about a career as a pharmacy technician?  Below are links to resources if you would like to learn more.
--PharmTechPros.com
--pharmtechinfocenter.com
--Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
--Allied Health Department, Seattle, Washington

Read more about the steps to obtain and maintain pharmacy technician certification in Montana.

800-363-8012

Would you like to know more about: --How to prepare for certification                --The schedule to do so --Cost and location to take exam                --And more? The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is your source.  Browse the site.

Technician Membership in the MPA -- Technicians can join the MPA for only $30 for an annual membership (November 1 - October 31).  Benefits include greatly reduced fees for continuing education and having an association that advocates for the best interests of the profession in areas such as certification and licensing.  MPA supports technicians as an integral part of pharmacy.  It is a team connection between pharmacists and technicians that works to further the profession of pharmacy.  

Technician Representative - MPA Board of Directors

Leigh Scherer, BS, CPhT
Email Leigh