Nurturing Success: Karla Camacho’s Impact on Pharmacy Technology Students

Students in Karla Camacho’s Pharmacy Technology program on SJVC’s Rancho Mirage campus get much more than they hoped for when they enrolled. They not only get the education and hands-on practice their program provides, they get the professional and practical savvy of an instructor’s 13 years in the field. And Karla can’t wait to set them on fire with her first-person experience and enthusiasm.

She wants her students to see this career field through her eyes and years of practice – then blaze their own trails of success with confidence and excitement.

How did you decide to leave the Pharmacy Technology field to teach?

I had been a licensed pharmacy technician since 2011 and was working part time at both CVS and a long-term care facility. I wasn’t looking for a job, but I’d done an online resume for recruiters (classroom assignment) and never took it down. SJVC initiated contact, but it wasn’t the perfect time in my life, as I was pregnant with my third child. But, if something is for you, it will come back to you. Exactly a year later was the perfect time.

What are your primary responsibilities as a Pharmacy Technology instructor?

I try to introduce curriculum in a way that students can understand and not be overwhelmed. I incorporate my experience out in the real world and want to make sure they understand the difference in working in the classroom and with actual patients. It’s not just the mechanics; it’s attitude, empathy. You don’t know what patients are going through; they may have just found out about a serious condition.

At the end of the day their attitude will make all the difference.

What makes a student successful?

Attendance, preparation, prioritizing time in class. Giving 100%. You don’t have to make perfect grades. Be prepared, put in the effort; that will make the difference. Focus. Those few seconds spent looking at your phone means you’ve missed something that matters.

What do students struggle with?

There are financial situations that are tough to see; struggle to get gas to come to college. We do fundraising, have given gas gift cards to help out. Life struggles. It helps to understand when they can’t give all their effort. The community I work with has been there for their financial and personal situations.

Showing up late for class is not a good sign. Communication is something I think is the key to having my classes graduate.

Do you feel supported in your position?

I couldn’t do this by myself; it’s teamwork. There are a lot of people behind you, supporting you. Instructors are willing to share their knowledge. The Campus Director is there if I need more supplies for class. It’s great to know there are people you can rely on.

What is one of your favorite moments in the classroom?

When I see students doing hands-on scenarios – interaction with the ‘public’ that we create in the classroom. Then I want them to compare that exercise to their real-world experience. ‘How were you treated?’

As a Pharmacy Tech they will do data entry, inventory, get medications ready and perform customer service. They will also have customers who might only have a few more months of life. The empathy they have should be how they would want their family member treated.

Is there a particular goal you hold for your program?

My goal is to make sure that I give my students a safe environment; to let them know that I am here to provide for them – not judge them. My job is to inspire and guide them toward their goal to graduate and secure their job. I also want them to appreciate the career they’ve chosen and feel it was the right choice.

Where does your motivation come from?

I come in and give 100% because that’s what I want my students to give me. And, sometimes, an example is more powerful than knowledge. Sometimes, they need to see the visual image of what their profession looks like. And we’re preparing them for that real world with this education and hands-on experience.

How do you encourage students who might struggle?

The first thing is to let them speak without interruption. Before I advise them, I think about what I need to say on a professional level. What will have a long-term, positive effect. I’m so proud when I see them overcome the obstacles in their lives.

It’s amazing to see how one word of encouragement can help them change their journey.

What is one of the highlights of your position?

It is our responsibility to show Pharmacy Technology students the good things that will come from this program; ‘You made a great decision!’  We fully support the direction they have taken.

I feel that once a student walks into my class, it is my responsibility to make sure they reach their goal – graduation. From Day One until graduation that is my job.

Do you connect with Pharmacy Technology graduates out in the field?

They keep me posted on their jobs, how they’re doing in their work. Some come back in and talk to my students about what it’s like to be out in the field. They tell students about things they should pay particular attention to in class. And, they talk about how their lives have changed – it’s just amazing.

What is your next career or advancement goal?

Within a couple of years, I’d like to be more interactive with other (SJVC) campuses. Maybe travel to other campuses. There’s always time for growth and new things.