Building a Future
in Healthcare

Fernanda Rola’s Journey Through Carteret’s Pharmacy Technician Program

For Fernanda Rola, returning to school was more than just an educational decision. It was a step toward building a meaningful career and creating new opportunities for herself and the community she now calls home.

Originally from Chile, Fernanda moved to the United States four years ago and now lives in Morehead City. Like many students at Carteret Community College, she came with a strong desire to grow personally and professionally while making a positive impact in the healthcare field.

“I am always looking for opportunities to learn new skills and grow,” Fernanda shared. “I wanted a career where I could help people and contribute to their well being.”

That desire led her to enroll in Carteret’s Pharmacy Technician Program.

Discovering a Path in Healthcare

Fernanda’s interest in healthcare began long before she arrived in the United States. Growing up, she watched family members work in the healthcare field, which deeply influenced her passion for helping others. In Chile, she also earned a degree as a speech therapist, a profession that supports both educational and medical environments.

When she began exploring new career opportunities in the United States, the pharmacy field immediately stood out.

“I have always been interested in learning about medications and supporting patients,” she explained. “Becoming a pharmacy technician felt like the right way to build a long term career while making a positive difference.”

Carteret offered exactly what she was looking for: a flexible, accessible program that could be completed at her own pace while providing the training needed to enter the healthcare workforce.

A Program Designed for Student Success

One of the things that impressed Fernanda most about Carteret’s Pharmacy Technician Program was the level of support built into the course.

“It is not just a textbook,” she said. “There are many additional resources, including videos explaining pharmacy calculations, practice tests, and study materials that help reinforce what you learn.”

The course also introduces students to the 200 most common medications and how to properly pronounce them, an important skill for anyone working in a pharmacy environment.

 Although pharmacy calculations initially seemed intimidating, Fernanda quickly discovered that the program breaks complex concepts into manageable lessons.

“At first I was nervous about the calculations, but the videos and explanations made them much easier to understand,” she said.

The program’s comprehensive structure helped Fernanda build confidence and stay focused on her goals.

Learning Skills That Matter

Throughout the program, Fernanda developed critical skills that are essential in pharmacy practice. Attention to detail, organization, medication knowledge, and accuracy became central to her training.

One important concept she learned was the importance of identifying LASA medications, or “Look Alike, Sound Alike” drugs.

“Some medications differ by only a few letters,” Fernanda explained. “It is easy to confuse them if you are not careful. That is why multiple safety checks are so important when preparing prescriptions.”

Through coursework and hands on exercises, she gained experience processing prescriptions, performing dosage calculations, and understanding when to consult a pharmacist.

These experiences helped her build the confidence needed to work in a real pharmacy setting.

“The training helped me understand how to handle pharmacy tasks responsibly and carefully,” she said.

Preparing for Certification and Career Success

A key goal for Fernanda was successfully passing the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, and the program provided the tools she needed to prepare.

“The course is very comprehensive and covers all the essential topics,” she said. “It helped me feel confident before taking the exam.”

Her hard work paid off when she successfully passed the Pharmacy Technician National Exam on her first attempt.

“I was very proud and relieved,” she said. “It was a big accomplishment for me.”

With certification in hand, Fernanda now feels prepared to enter the healthcare workforce and begin building a long term career.

While she is open to working in several pharmacy environments, including retail pharmacies, medical offices, or hospitals, she remains focused on continuing her education and expanding her knowledge in the future.

“My goal is to find a stable position and continue contributing positively to the well being of my community,” she said.

Support That Makes a Difference

Fernanda credits much of her success to the support she received from her instructor, Ms. Sharon King.

“She is very supportive and truly committed to helping students succeed,” Fernanda said.

From answering emails quickly to meeting with Fernanda even without an appointment, Ms. King helped create a welcoming and encouraging learning environment from the very beginning.

“When I first met with her, she printed information about the program and answered all my questions,” Fernanda said. “After that conversation, I felt confident about enrolling.”

Her instructor’s encouragement helped reinforce the idea that she was not alone in her educational journey.

Growing Through the Experience

Like many students, Fernanda faced challenges along the way. During the program she had to travel back to Chile for a family emergency, which temporarily disrupted her study routine.

Despite the unexpected challenge, she remained committed to her goals and successfully returned to her coursework.

Completing the program strengthened her confidence and gave her a deeper understanding of the healthcare field.

“This program has changed me in a very positive way,” she said. “I now have more knowledge about medications and feel more confident in my professional abilities.”

The knowledge she gained is not only valuable for her career, but also for helping care for her own family.

Encouraging Future Students

Fernanda believes Carteret Community College is an excellent place for students who want to begin a career in healthcare.

“It offers quality programs, supportive instructors, and valuable resources,” she said.

For students considering the Pharmacy Technician Program, she offers simple but encouraging advice.

“I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to continue their education while balancing personal responsibilities,” she said. “It is flexible, manageable, and designed to help students succeed.”

Her message to prospective students is clear.

“It is a great decision. The program gives you the knowledge you need to pass the certification exam and the confidence to begin working in the field.”

A Strong Foundation for the Future

Fernanda’s journey is a powerful example of how Carteret helps students turn ambition into opportunity. Through accessible programs, dedicated instructors, and a supportive learning environment, students like Fernanda are building careers that make a real difference.

For Fernanda, the path forward is clear. With certification achieved and new confidence in her abilities, she is ready to begin the next chapter of her healthcare career.

And it all began with one decision to take the first step.