The Rise of One Concorde–Orlando Pharmacy Technician

Do you remember what you were doing the moment you decided to change your life and enroll in a health care program at Concorde?

For Danyelle Beck, a 2017 Pharmacy Technician (PT) alumna from Concorde's Orlando campus, it was when she was in the middle of a very long shift at a 7-Eleven gas station and realized she wanted more out of life.

"I'm the second-oldest of five," said Beck. "I wanted to show my younger siblings that you have to create a path to go after your dreams. I knew it was going to be hard, but I wanted to show them that it was worth it."

Beck continued working while attending her PT program. When it came time to complete her externship hours, she worked Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Priority Health, a specialty pharmacy in Orlando, and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at 7-Eleven.

And she graduated with honors!

A Heart to Help

"I was drawn to a career in health care because I knew I wanted to help people, but I do not like blood. So, I asked myself, where could I make a difference without all the blood and gore?, That's when I found pharmacy."

She knew she had found a fit with Concorde when no more than five minutes after she had inquired, her phone rang. "Schools don't reach out that quickly," said Beck, "I thought to myself - this is a sign!"

She was also attracted by the smaller class sizes and intimate feel of the campus.

The Help She Needed

Beck was determined, but that didn't mean there weren't times that she wanted to throw in the towel.

"Mr. Wilkinson (The Director of Concorde Pharmacy Technician Programs - Orlando, FL) was a huge contributing factor to my success," she recalled. "Having someone who sees something in you hat you don't see in yourself is such a motivator. Because of him, on the days that I wanted to give up, I felt like I could keep going."

"I only had Wednesdays and Sundays off, and despite having a family of his own, he stayed with us to help us study or prepare for the next exam. There's a big difference between a teacher who just knows your name and one who believes in you."

"Danyelle was an amazing student. She came in with a great attitude and worked hard. She struggled a bit, but only due to work scheduling, working overnight," said Wilkinson. "Danyelle had several "Ah-ha" moments, but mostly just realizing to trust in her knowledge and trust in herself."

Hard Work Pays Off

Beck completed her coursework and went straight into externship. Within two weeks of her second externship at Priority Health, they offered her a full-time position. Priority Health is somewhat of a specialty pharmacy according to Beck, often serving HIV patients and those undergoing dialysis.

Within nine months of diligent work as a Pharmacy Technician, she was promoted to Lead Tech. "Working with patients helps put my life into perspective," said Beck. "I'm pretty sure my patients help me more than I help them. There's an 11-year-old kid who comes in and has so many health issues, but he's so positive. It really challenges me to see the better part of each day and reminds me to be compassionate to others."

It's not just patients that Beck gets to interact with daily. Priority Health continues to serve as an externship partner with Concorde, so Beck gets to mentor current students too!

"I love the fact that my school is connected to where I work and that I can still reach students. I view my role as a motivator and a cheerleader. Having been where they are not that long ago, I tell them, I know you're tired. I know you want to give up, but you have to keep going. It's all going to be worth it!"

Even after they are done with their externship and move on to other opportunities, Beck says that she still receives calls from students asking her advice.

Learn more about a day in the life of a pharmacy technician.

What's next for Beck?

You might think Beck has arrived at the end of her meteoric journey from 7-Eleven clerk to Lead Pharmacy Technician. But she wants more. As she completes her Continuing Education Units, she has her eye on becoming a Pharmacist-a venture that the owner of her current pharmacy is so passionate about he's willing to partner with her financially!

When Wilkinson reflects on Beck, "It really is amazing and so fulfilling to watch a student go from working overnight at a gas station to being a medical professional...in only a matter of months. That is the real American Dream!"

"Concorde had a huge impact on my mindset, my drive, and my success," said Beck. "I feel like because they invested so much in me, I need to represent them well."

Jump start your own career

Beck tells others that, "if you want a solid education, mentors and life-long friends, then Concorde is the place you need to go!"

If you've been looking to start a new career path and health care is a destination, then Concorde Career Colleges is the place for you. Contact us today to learn more!