Nicholas Hammond was a spontaneous kind of guy who got bored pretty easily. He had a lot of start-and-stop career episodes in his life. He tended to follow his impulses and might change direction in the moment, based on his feelings at the time. It usually worked out for him. But even he was a little surprised to have his casual interest in Carrington College’s Criminal Justice program flip to their Pharmacy Technology program. But, turns out, there was a little magic to this bit of career choice whimsey.
How did you make that career focus leap?
I had graduated high school early at seventeen and got bored with things pretty quickly. I went into Carrington College interested in the Criminal Justice program, but had an open mind on a tour of the Carrington College campus with an Admissions person. I could have walked out without enrolling. The tour took me into the Pharmacy Technology program area where I saw the lab and thought this was pretty cool. I just pulled the trigger and started class three weeks later.
What helped you make the commitment so quickly?
The college was familiar to me because my sister was already there in the Dental Assisting program. I’d been a practice patient for her there and I’d liked the way she was getting her training.
Was the Pharmacy Technology program a good fit for you?
I enrolled not really even knowing what this position is. But looking back I know this field is ultra fitting for me. Accuracy matters and we are always in a state of training for the future because pharmacy is evolving so fast. And during my program they trained us to do the whole picture: diagnostic and procedures.
Did you get the instructor support you needed?
I got what I needed from my instructor because she was excited and passionate about her profession. For me, if I hear someone enthusiastic about their profession, I’m easily drawn in, and I’ll take it from there. I follow through until I’m satisfied in what I’m doing. That goes for anything in my life.
The passion from my instructor made it contagious. It was one of those things that made it easy to be there.
Any surprises in your Pharmacy Technology program?
It was pretty much what I expected. Looking back, (10-years later and now a pharmacist) and after seeing more of the academic world, my first exposure was definitely a good thing.
I liked the structure of the program – a new topic/focus every 6-weeks. It was fast-paced, go-go-go.
What was your greatest struggle in the Pharmacy Technology program?
I had severe, untreated ADHD and wasn’t diagnosed until halfway through the program. It was hard to pay attention, but I used that as a motivating factor to fixate on things that excite me. And the classes excited me enough to keep me engaged.
And I was working up to 40-hours a week in a restaurant; a lot of evenings and weekends. Some things suck but are still doable.
How did you stay on track in your program?
I just don’t leave things unfinished. I’m not a quitter. Even as a kid, once I’m on a track I stick with it until I’m done.
Who was part of your support system?
My mom, Patti, was a great support person. She would help me practice for a quiz.
My wife Shaina and I got married after I went to Carrington but before I started pharmacy school. We now have our 4-year old, Lila.
Were employment prospects positive?
I was hired as a Pharmacy Technician from my extern site (on-the-job training as part of Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology program). It’s all about opportunities and the ones who get the opportunities are the ones who are prepared. Carrington was good for me – an important first step.
How important is quality education in the pharmaceutical industry?
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians were not the positions they are today when I graduated. Training has to be adaptable to all the changes coming to the profession. That’s why continuing education is so important – both formal and on-the-job.
It’s all about opportunity and those who get the opportunities are those who are prepared.
What kind of person might do well in your industry?
This industry is for those who like to solve problems. A lot of situations might be interrupting someone’s ability to get their medicine. Solving those problems is important, sometimes urgent, when it’s related to medicine.
I don’t know where the pharmaceutical industry will be in 5, 10 years, but the techs that are going to be able to take those opportunities are the ones that have additional education and training – both formal and on the job.
What is your career update – 10 years after completing Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology program?
I was working as a pharmacy technician for less than six months when I started prerequisite courses and undergraduate work for pharmacy school. And Carrington College was my first step toward higher steps in this industry.
I went back to school and in July 2025 I become a licensed pharmacist. I am, now, also teaching part-time in Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology program.
Are you happy with the life you have created?
I always have one eye on the horizon, but I like where I am right now. We can’t even know positions that might develop in the next few years in this industry. But I want to be very good at whatever I’m doing. I want to be that go-to person for whatever that is.