Pharmacy Director Sees Continued Need For Health Care Workers In San Jose
A recent report from the Silicon Valley Business Journal is just another indication that the health care services sector is booming in the South Bay. San Jose's Good Samaritan Hospital announced plans to spend $33 million to expand its emergency rooms, and construction on the new Stanford Hospital is already underway. With expansion of medical facilities and a growing demand for new health care workers at all levels, many companies are looking for individuals who possess at least a bachelor's degree. For career advice from a health care professional, Shannie Eubanks shares expert advice on ways to better prepare for a career in health care services.
What is your current position?
"I'm program director of pharmacy technology at Carrington College, with Bay Area campuses in San Leandro and San Jose."
What is your background and level of education?
"My background is in retail pharmacy. I worked for Longs Drug Stores, Inc., a regional pharmacy chain, for 24 years. I worked in the stores for 15 years as a pharmacy technician and a pharmacy floater. Then I worked nine years at our corporate offices in IT and reimbursement and then on the business side in supply chain and inventory management. I have a B.A. in human development from California State University - East Bay and am currently working on my master's in business administration."
What career advice do you have for someone interested in a career in health care?
"A career in health care has many facets, and it's very dynamic, which is why I love it. Right now, the need for skilled health care workers is growing faster than ever. If you like working with people, and get satisfaction from helping others, then health care could be a rewarding option for you. "
"Talk to people in the medical field. Ask questions at your local pharmacy, doctor or dentist's office. Or seek out a health care instructor or career advisor on a college campus to see what specific field might be best for you. Once you decide which path to take, you will need to commit to earning your qualifications. When you make that commitment, fasten your seatbelt, because things will move very quickly once you get started."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.