Student Success Story

Jessica Hatley, Pharmacy Technician

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Pioneer Pacific College?

I had just dropped out of the Health Education Program at the University of Oregon and had no real plan of what to do next until I saw a Pioneer Pacific College ad on TV.

Why did you choose Pioneer Pacific College?

I thought it would be a good fit for me because of the small class size and campus. Being from a small town, I struggled at the U of O. Also, I really liked that it was still close to home and everyone that I came into contact with seemed to really care about my success.

Why did you choose the Pharmacy Technician Program?

I was clerking at the pharmacy in Safeway and one of the technicians told me that I would make a great pharmacy technician. Plus, I thought the program sounded interesting and would be a good career choice.

What were some of your challenges/experiences while a student at Pioneer Pacific College?

My experience at the college was very positive. I have always struggled with school and from the time I started my first class to my last one, all the teachers seemed to genuinely care about my success. I started to gain more confidence in my abilities as a student.

What was your job search process like?

My job search went pretty smooth. My program director was really good about informing her students of current job opportunities. I was offered two positions shortly after graduation and accepted a position at Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg, my hometown. After a year or so, I was promoted to pharmacy purchaser. I really feel my time at Pioneer is what has helped me to succeed and advance in my career so quickly.

What advice would you like to give other students at Pioneer Pacific College?

“Don’t give up on yourself! I was just about to the point where I wanted to be done with school for good but the college helped me see that I still had some fight left in me and helped me achieve my goals and obtain a job that I love!”