It’s Never Too Late
Originally posted January 13, 2023
Keshia Cannova was a stay-at-home mom who never finished high school. It had been more than 13 years since she attended school, and she had not considered returning. Then one day, “something just clicked,” she said. “It didn’t matter how much time had passed or what I thought I couldn’t accomplish. How would I know unless I tried?”
With a new outlook on her future, Cannova signed up to work toward getting her GED. She said she remained unsure of herself as she worked through each subject, but she kept going. When she passed the last section, math, she was relieved and excited. Fourteen years after dropping out of high school, she had her GED. Cannova said the accomplishment of earning her GED gave her more confidence, “I didn’t want to stop, so I enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician (Academy) class.”
The Academy is a short-term training program that prepares students to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians. “This program offers opportunities for such a diverse group of students wanting to enter or reenter the workforce,” said Mark Woodall, Pharmacy Technician Academy instructor. “After a few months, students can earn credentials that will qualify them for job opportunities throughout the United States.”
Cannova completed the Pharmacy Technician Academy, passing the certification exam and becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) before graduation. “This has been one of the best things I have ever done,” she said. “I interned at KM Pharmacy where I had so much hands-on experience. I took the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board test on April 8 and became a CPHT. My biggest advice is it’s never too late to change.” Cannova was hired by Atrium Health.
About the Pharmacy Technician Academy
The Pharmacy Technician Academy is offered through CCC’s Continuing Education Department. It lasts about five months and prepares students to become certified pharmacy technicians. Topics covered include state and federal drug laws and regulations, pharmaceutical abbreviations, measurements and calculations, and reading and interpreting prescriptions. The program also helps students prepare for the national certification exam. Cleveland Community College graduates 150-200 students each year. Because these credentials are nationally recognized, students from South Carolina, Iowa, and California have attended the Academy.