My interest in pharmacy began with a love for old medicine bottles and herbs and became more important when I had a small surgery for skin cancer. Besides my newfound appreciation for Lidocaine, I also appreciated pharmacies for having the right size Band-Aids and Aquaphor.

I started by taking a class in medical terminology at my local community college, thinking that if I liked it I would continue and if not I will have at least tried something new. I did like it, and I was particularly interested in learning about pharmacology. It was like I was on a quest for a cure for my own ailments and a way to be a better advocate for myself and my family if we ever needed medicine. I completed the Pharmacy Tech program and started studying for the PTCE.

There’s a veil of mystery between an aspiring pharmacy technician and the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.) You don’t know exactly what’s on the test, so you have to study all of the subject areas of drugs, interactions, laws, sig codes, supplies, compounding and calculations. In my experience, the test had a lot on it that I didn’t expect, and not a lot on it that I did expect.

I’m proud to say I passed the test and earned my CPhT credential, and now I’m continuing to learn by making the illustrated study guide I wish I had before I took the PTCE. It combines my love for drawing with my knowledge as a pharmacy tech. Whether you are looking to pass the PTCE or are just interested in pharmacy, I hope this helps you be better informed for your good health.