In celebration of World Pharmacy Technician Day 2025, host Mike Johnston, CPhT-Adv, delivers a powerful solo episode that gets to the heart of what it means to be a pharmacy technician today.

In this special release of CPhT Connect, Mike shares a message of pride, professionalism, and purpose for every technician who has ever been told they are "just a tech." He explores how language shapes identity, why invisible work deserves recognition, and how pharmacy technicians can confidently stand in their worth and advocate for their role in patient care.

Listeners will hear about:

• The impact of words and why "just a tech" diminishes professional value

• How to make invisible work visible and celebrate your daily impact

• Knowing your worth through leadership, advocacy, and accountability

• Communicating clearly and professionally to advocate for yourself

• Redefining growth and advancement in the technician profession

Whether you are just starting your pharmacy career or have decades of experience, this World Pharmacy Technician Day episode will remind you that you are not a background player in healthcare. You are a critical part of the team, and your work makes a difference every single day.

Key Takeaway: "Being more than just a tech isn't about working harder; it's about standing taller." Visit www.rxtechday.org to celebrate and learn more about this day.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston sits down with Alexander Carter, BCSCPT, CPhT, an Implementation Specialist at Pharmacy Stars, to explore how a career built on curiosity, persistence, and continual growth can open unexpected doors.

From his start as an "accidental technician" to leading compliance implementations for hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, Alex shares how each career step, from sterile compounding and home infusion to automation and software, was driven by taking initiative and saying "yes" to opportunities before it felt comfortable.

He opens up about:

• Moving from hospital sterile compounding to home infusion and eventually into leadership and technology roles.

• How perseverance, communication, and knowing your value can shape career advancement.

• His work with the Indiana Pharmacy Association Technician Council aims to elevate the voices and engagement of technicians statewide.

• The evolution of compounding compliance technology and how tools like Compounding360 simplify documentation, training, and USP compliance across multi-site systems.

• Why "taking chances" and building genuine professional connections, especially through platforms like LinkedIn, can change the trajectory of your career.

Alex's story is a testament to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and shaping your own professional path. Whether you're just starting your pharmacy journey or looking to specialize, this episode will inspire you to take that next leap forward.

LinkedIn: Alexander Carter, BCSCPT, CPhT Organization: Pharmacy Stars – Compounding360

In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston welcomes Carrie Stephens, Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician and co-owner of Hoagland Pharmacy, to share her remarkable journey from "Street Tech" to pharmacy owner. Carrie discusses the transition from employee to co-owner—leading a team of 70 across retail and long-term care—and how she and her partners explored ownership models, built trust with their staff, and balanced patient-first care with sustainable business operations.

She opens up about the challenges of shifting perspective from technician to owner, the importance of accountability, and why financial realities matter just as much as patient care. Carrie also highlights her commitment to expanding technician roles, from encouraging vaccine certification and point-of-care testing to advocating for advanced responsibilities in community health.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into networking, professional growth, and the power of technicians to shape the future of pharmacy. Carrie's message is clear: pharmacy technicians are not "just techs"—they are vital leaders and advocates in patient care and the profession.

In this episode of CPhT Connect, hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith sit down with Courtney Miller, the powerhouse founder of Pharm Techs Only, to explore her remarkable 30-year journey in the pharmacy field. From her start at CVS in 1997 to roles in long-term care and even providing care within the complex environment of Rikers Island, Courtney shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons learned throughout her career.

She opens up about the unique challenges of working in a correctional facility—navigating intense security protocols and serving a highly diverse patient population—and how those experiences shaped her drive to create Pharm Techs Only, a global platform designed specifically for pharmacy technicians seeking jobs, resources, and community.

This episode dives into the ongoing fight for better pay, recognition, and support for pharmacy technicians—and how Courtney is leading the charge with passion and purpose.

Welcome to a new episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they explore the intersection of pharmacy and wellness with special guest Ranisha Mangle, CPhT.

With over 20 years of experience and a degree in nutrition and wellness, Ranisha shares her inspiring journey from retail pharmacy to becoming a health educator and advocate for holistic care. In this episode, she dives into the benefits of vitamin D, the emerging "food as medicine" movement, and the role pharmacy technicians can play in promoting whole-person health.

Ranisha also shares insights from her work with alternative and integrative medicine—especially in supporting elderly patients and those managing diabetes—and offers practical tips for embracing a more holistic lifestyle.

Don't miss this thoughtful and energizing conversation about how pharmacy technicians can expand their impact through nutrition, mindset, and patient education. Facebook : Ranisha Venise TikTok-MsNutriwellness Instagram :Skinnivee Website: maingoalnutrition.com Email:[email protected]

Welcome to a new episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they welcome back Kevin Judeich, Licensing and Accreditation Specialist at Curexa Pharmacy, for an engaging conversation about career growth, specialization, and making an impact in pharmacy.

In this episode, Kevin shares how his role has evolved—from a generalist technician to a regulatory specialist working with telemedicine providers and veterinary practices in a compounding and fulfillment setting. He breaks down what it means to become a "T-shaped employee," emphasizing the value of broad foundational knowledge paired with deep expertise in one area.

Listeners will gain insight into how to build a career with purpose, take initiative, and align their work with long-term professional goals. The episode also includes a fun game between Kevin, Mike, and Ashleigh that you won't want to miss!

Don't miss this inspiring and insightful episode that's all about leveling up, specializing, and leading with intention in your pharmacy career. 💬 If you enjoy Kevin's insights, don't miss his first appearance in Episode 49—go check it out!

Welcome to a dynamic new episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnstonand Ashleigh Smith as they sit down with pharmacy powerhouse Margon Dillard, a seasoned technician whose passion for people and innovation is redefining what it means to work in pharmacy.

In this episode, Margon shares her inspiring career journey—from pharmacy school to roles in retail, 503B compounding, hospital pharmacy, purchasing, management, pharma sales, and more. She shines a light on the critical and often overlooked world of pharmacy purchasing, where she managed over 60% of a hospital's budget, underscoring the influence and responsibility technicians can have.

Margon also introduces PharmFest, her exciting new event series designed to bring pharmacy and pharmaceutical professionals together through community, peer learning, and non-traditional education—all in fun, engaging environments. The first event was held at Dave & Buster's, and the next one is set for October 24 in Houston.

Don't miss this episode packed with career insight, innovation, and inspiration for pharmacy technicians ready to expand their impact and embrace new possibilities in the profession! Registration for PharmFest: https://www.pharmfest.com/pre-register Special discount code for podcast listeners NPTA30 https://www.linkedin.com/company/pharmfest/ https://www.instagram.com/pharmfest/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558663175188

Welcome back to CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! We're continuing our Season 7 kickoff with Part 2 of our powerful leadership conversation featuring Kelley Babcock and Terri Norvell—two dynamic leadership development coaches passionate about empowering pharmacy technicians.

In Part 1, Kelley and Terri joined hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith to introduce their Leadership Growth Formula and explore how leadership begins with mindset and behavior—not just titles. They encouraged techs to lead from where they are and to step confidently into their potential.

In Part 2, the conversation delves even deeper. Mike shares his personal journey starting NPTA at age 20 and why he believes pharmacy technicians need a stronger voice in the profession. Kelley and Terri emphasize key leadership essentials like emotional intelligence, authenticity, managing up, and learning from mistakes. They also reinforce that leadership is a learnable skill and challenge techs to align their values with their actions and continually add value to their teams and workplaces.

Whether you're leading already or just getting started, this episode will leave you energized and equipped to grow in your role.

Welcome to the Season 7 premiere of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! Join hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith as they kick off a brand-new season with an empowering conversation on leadership in pharmacy.

In this episode, leadership development coaches Kelley Babcock and Terri Norvell share the Leadership Growth Formula, a transformative approach to developing leadership skills and confidence—no matter your title. With deep roots in both corporate and independent pharmacy, Kelley and Terri offer powerful insights into what it means to lead, how to align your values with your work, and how pharmacy technicians can embrace leadership roles from where they are today.

The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of independent pharmacy, the importance of strong partnerships, and the real-world application of leadership principles in pharmacy settings.

Don't miss this inspiring start to Season 7—filled with actionable advice, thoughtful reflection, and the motivation you need to level up your leadership journey in pharmacy.

Welcome to a milestone episode of CPhT Connect, the podcast for Pharmacy Technicians! For this special 100th episode, Ashleigh Smith interviews the NPTA creative team and Mike Johnston to reflect on the podcast's incredible journey and celebrate how far it's come.

In this episode, Mike Johnston and Peter Fazon, Creative Director for NPTA, dive into the early days of CPhT Connect—how the idea started, the challenges they faced, and the vision behind it. Then, the spotlight turns to the creative team: Amber Taylor, Events and Marketing Design Lead; Precious Fazon, Social Media and Communications Lead; and Mariana Ruiz, Digital Media Lead. They share their roles in building and producing the show, along with fun behind-the-scenes stories that listeners won't want to miss.

The episode wraps up with Mike and Ashleigh offering a look into the future of the podcast—what exciting spin-offs are coming, and how CPhT Connect will continue to grow, inspire, and support pharmacy technicians around the world.

Tune in for this fun, reflective, and inspiring celebration of 100 episodes and the community that made it all possible!