From Pharmacy Tech to Nursing: How Victoria Transformed Her Healthcare Career at Concorde

Meet Victoria F., a registered nurse (RN) and three-time graduate of Concorde’s Memphis campus. 

Victoria has built her healthcare career one purposeful step at a time—graduating from the Pharmacy Technician, Respiratory Therapy, and Nursing programs. Her story is a testament to what's possible when you invest in yourself, embrace growth, and never stop pursuing your passions.

Early Beginnings in Healthcare

Victoria's career journey began in 2012. She knew healthcare was her calling, but she wasn’t quite ready for direct patient care. She also knew she needed to start somewhere that felt manageable while raising a young child. 

Becoming a pharmacy technician felt like the perfect entry point. "I was a science nerd in high school, so learning about medicine was of interest to me," Victoria says. 

Victoria discovered Concorde Memphis through commercials and positive recommendations from former students. The feedback she heard gave her confidence to take the leap, so she enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician diploma program. From that moment, her healthcare career was set in motion.

Throughout the program, Victoria learned the fundamentals of supporting pharmacists, compounding medications, filling prescriptions, and helping patients navigate their treatment plans—knowledge that would prove invaluable throughout her career. 

“The pharmacy technician program was fun, and it wasn’t long,” Victoria says. “Everybody was great, and all the teachers were engaging and positive.” 

In just under a year, Victoria graduated and immediately put her training to work, starting as a pharmacy technician at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Southaven, MS. This role gave her confidence in a clinical environment and a deeper understanding of how medications support patient care behind the scenes.

Stepping Into Direct Patient Care 

After working for four years as a pharmacy tech, Victoria felt something shift. She decided that she wanted to be closer to patients and have a hands-on role in their care.

Working alongside respiratory therapists (RTs) at the hospital sparked her curiosity. Their work with airways, breathing treatments, and critical situations looked deeply meaningful. She began to see respiratory therapy as a natural next step—a way to upskill while making a more direct impact on patients.

"It was a new thought," Victoria says. "I asked my friends who were RTs about it, and I thought that it sounded interesting. I felt like I would be comfortable in that career."

Returning to Concorde Memphis for the RT program felt like coming home. She already trusted the learning environment, the faculty, and the hands-on approach. Plus, the medical knowledge she gained as a pharmacy technician allowed her to connect the dots between medication management and respiratory care.

After graduating from the program, Victoria stepped into her first RT job at Regional One Health’s Extended Care Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an eye-opening experience that shaped her both professionally and personally, forcing her to adapt quickly and rely on her training in high-stakes situations.

"I got to experience a lot, and being a respiratory therapist during that time prepared me for any other place that I've worked at," she says. "Now, I feel like I can handle anything as an RT."

The role pushed Victoria outside her comfort zone, especially when it came to managing airways. Early on, those moments felt intimidating.

She recalls once walking into a patient's room and realizing their trach tube was completely out of place. At first, panic set in. But then her training took over. She stayed calm, assessed the situation, and successfully secured the patient’s airway. 

That moment was a turning point. It reinforced not only her skills but also her ability to rise to the occasion during an emergency. 

"Knowing what to do and actually helping someone in an urgent situation, it gave me a boost of confidence," Victoria reflects.

A Natural Next Step to Nursing 

As Victoria continued to grow as a respiratory therapist, she spent every shift working closely with registered nurses. She watched them coordinate care, make critical decisions, advocate for patients, and support families through difficult moments.

"Collaborating with RNs as an RT pushed me to want to do more in my own career," she explains. 

Once again, Victoria returned to Concorde—this time for the Nursing program—while continuing to work full-time as a respiratory therapist. Juggling school, work, and family life was demanding. By this point, she was raising three young children, but she stayed focused on the impact she wanted to have on patients and the example she wanted to set for her family. 

Victoria believes her background as both a pharmacy technician and respiratory therapist gives her a distinct advantage as a nurse.  

"From being a pharmacy tech, I remember all the medications. With my RT background, I have experience doing patient assessments," Victoria says. "All of that knowledge stays with me, and I feel like it has helped me be successful so far in nursing." 

During her clinicals, Victoria realized first-hand how rewarding nursing can be. She remembers making a special connection with one patient and how it felt to receive gratitude after providing them with comfort and a listening ear. 

“I was caring for a patient who ended up being from my hometown. She thanked me and told me how comfortable she felt talking to me,” Victoria says. “It's not easy being in the hospital and away from home, so the fact that I was able to give her peace of mind was amazing.” 

Why Victoria Chose Concorde 

For Victoria, each return to Concorde reinforced her confidence that she was in the right place. Across all three programs, she found the same commitment to hands-on training, supportive instructors, and real-world preparation.

"I can't think of something I learned that I have not used at one point in my career!" Victoria says. "That's why I chose Concorde each time. I feel like I was successful in every career that I've chosen, and that influenced me to keep going back." 

To Concorde alumni who are thinking about coming back to advance their careers, Victoria offers this encouragement:

"Stay the course, because it's worth it," Victoria says. "Concorde gives you what you need to excel in your career, and every experience I've had there has been rewarding." 

Building on Your Foundation: Tips for Advancing Your Healthcare Career 

Victoria's journey shows that healthcare career progression doesn't have to mean starting from scratch. Each role builds on the previous one, creating a foundation of knowledge and experience.  

If you're considering advancing your healthcare career through additional education, here are some practical tips: 

1. Identify Transferable Skills: Recognize how your current role prepares you for the next step—whether it's medication knowledge, patient assessment skills, or clinical experience.
2. Choose Programs That Build on Your Experience: Look for schools that value your previous healthcare training and offer pathways designed for working professionals.
3. Find Balance & Flexibility: Consider programs with flexible scheduling options that allow you to continue working while you study and balance family or other commitments.
4. Stay Connected to Your "Why": Remember what drew you to healthcare in the first place and how each step forward helps you make a bigger impact.
5. Leverage Your Network: Talk to colleagues who have made similar transitions—their insights can help you navigate the journey.
6. Trust the Process: Each program may feel challenging, but your prior experience gives you a strong foundation to build on.

“I have three kids, so I feel like if I could go back to school with everything I had on my plate, then anyone can do it,” Victoria says. “Don’t doubt yourself, because you know more than you think.” 

A Career Built on Growth and Purpose 

Victoria's story is a powerful reminder that your healthcare career can evolve as you do. Her experience as a pharmacy tech, respiratory therapist, and now nurse made her a well-rounded, compassionate healthcare professional. Her journey is proof that you can start in one role, grow into another, and continue building on what you've learned along the way.  

Ready to start or advance your healthcare career like Victoria? Consider taking the next step by exploring our programs at Concorde, where you'll learn from experienced faculty and gain hands-on career training. Contact our admissions team or schedule a tour to learn more and begin your journey.