Tech Trek Navigator: Kelly Knutson, CPhT-Adv

Kelly spent 44 years in hospital pharmacy before semi-retiring. She now works as a traveling technician. She started as a high school student looking for a better job and stayed because she loved the work. From compounding chemotherapy to tracking down medications with shortages, Kelly focused on supporting patient care and her team. Her advice to new techs: keep learning, stay kind, and explore all areas of the field.

Tell us about your inspiration and career journey.

I was 17 and still in high school. I was looking for a better job, and several of my family members worked in health care and loved the work, so I thought I’d give it a try. I loved it too and stayed with the same great employer for 44 years.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a CPhT?

The most rewarding part of my journey as a CPhT has been serving patients by providing quality, timely, and safe products.

About 10 years into my career, I met a young man in a college class who I had prepared chemotherapy for. Because of HIPAA, I couldn’t approach him, but he later shared his story with me. He was in remission and doing well. That was incredibly rewarding.

What was your favorite part of your role as a pharmacy buyer?

For my last 10+ years, I worked as a full-time buyer, and my joy was in acquiring hard-to-find shortage items at reasonable prices and keeping our shelves stocked. It felt like Christmas when those shortage items arrived. It made the staff happy knowing we could serve our patients.

What advice would you give to someone beginning their career as a pharmacy technician?

Don't stop learning and exploring different areas where pharmacy technicians can be involved. There is always something to learn. Be humble, be kind, be helpful, and be courteous to patients and co-workers.

If you could relive one year of your career, which year would it be and why?

My 44th and final year of work as a full-time Hospital Pharmacy Buyer. I semi-retired late in 2023. We had a new, somewhat green Pharmacy Director. I wish I had tried harder to see how I could help him settle in and how I could have worked to better understand and support his new ideas.