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The campus visit was geared for those who want to go beyond the pharmacy technician role. Michael Dietrich, Pharm.D. (CPG), Associate Dean, explains that this visit was designed for junior and senior high school students “to help them understand the role of a pharmacist and the steps required to begin a career in pharmacy.” Dr. Dietrich continues, “Prospective students are often intimidated by the pre-pharmacy coursework, so we have our faculty and CPG students explain the path to becoming a pharmacist.”

During Metro Tech’s time in Glendale, attendees got a taste of what it’s like to be a pharmacy student. They participated in a campus tour, attended panels led by CPG students, faculty, and staff, participated in a lab at the Simulation Center, and ate lunch on campus.

Dr. Dietrich hopes that hosting high school students on campus will help them be exposed to different potential healthcare careers they may not have thought of before, like pharmacy. “We want to impress upon these students that a career as a pharmacist is attainable and could be achieved in as little as five years after they graduate high school.” CPG’s doctoral program is also one of the few programs in the nation that does not require a bachelor’s degree, which provides more opportunities for aspiring students.

Furthermore, Dr. Dietrich explains how vital pharmacists are to the healthcare industry and why it is important for MWU and high school students to connect with the local community. “Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals and work in every aspect of the healthcare system,” he says. “They will go back to work in their local community after graduation, so they are an integral part of the community and one of its most respected professions.”

For anyone who is hoping to pursue a future healthcare career, Dr. Dietrich encourages students to follow their passions. He recommends that students get involved early in pre-health clubs and research the various career options to see which one is best for them. “The best fit,” he says, “may be one you’ve not explored yet, like pharmacy!”