Raekera Folsom-Wright Advances Pharmacy Career with Help from OFTC
OFTC –Raekera Folsom-Wright’s fascination with medicine began at an early age. As a child, she watched those around her take prescribed medications, often offering advice based on what she overheard. What started as curiosity soon grew into a passion for understanding the science behind pharmaceuticals, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in pharmacy technology.
While working in retail pharmacy as a non-certified pharmacy technician, Folsom-Wright’s interest in the field deepened. She realized that to advance her career she needed formal training and certification.
“I realized that advancing my education would really boost my career prospects,” she said. “The pharmacy field can be pretty competitive, so having the right credentials will definitely pay off in the long run.”
Taking the Next Step
Determined to build on her experience, she enrolled in Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s (OFTC) Pharmacy Technology program—a decision she calls one of the best she’s ever made.
She completed the program in July of 2024 and successfully passed her certification exam on the first attempt.
“My time at OFTC was so rewarding,” Folsom-Wright shared. “The relationships I built with my classmates and instructors, the practical experience I gained from working in various pharmacies during my clinical rotations, and the current knowledge I acquired throughout the program will always stick with me.”
Gaining Confidence and Skills
The hands-on experience she gained throughout OFTC’s program not only sharpened her skills but also boosted her confidence.
“The knowledge I gained as a student significantly boosted my confidence, enabling me to effectively navigate my role in any pharmacy environment,” she said. “OFTC is an excellent college that thoroughly equipped me for the workforce.”
For Folsom-Wright, earning her certification wasn’t just about adding credentials to her name—it was about deepening her understanding of the field and becoming a more capable pharmacy technician.
“Before enrolling at OFTC, I had some self-doubt; but now I am confident in my abilities and believe I excel as a pharmacy technician,” she shared. “OFTC’s Pharmacy Technology program allowed me to explore the field in greater depth. While I appreciate my experience in retail pharmacy, where I learned quickly in a fast-paced environment, the structured training at OFTC provided me with the essential skills I needed in a timely manner.”
Thriving in the Workforce
After graduating and becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician, Folsom-Wright began working for Gayco Healthcare, a long-term care facility pharmacy that specializes in providing the wide-ranging pharmacy needs of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and correctional institutions.
“I truly enjoy working at Gayco,” Folsom-Wright said, “especially the strong connections I’ve formed with my coworkers; they feel more like family.”
“I’ve also gained extensive pharmacy knowledge while being here, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and bettering myself in this field,” she added.
Encouraging Others to Take the Leap
Looking back, Folsom-Wright remembers the challenges she overcame to reach her goals and hopes that others will be encouraged to never stop fighting for the future they want.
“My journey, like many others, had its challenges, particularly balancing work and education as an adult with a family,” she shared. “However, I refused to let these obstacles deter me. I made it a priority to carve out time for my studies and assignments each day, and my instructor was always supportive.”
She encourages others to give OFTC a try if they’re looking to further their education or advance their careers.
“OFTC is an awesome college,” she said. “It’s affordable, and you can complete programs quickly, boost your career, and manage costs without spending years in school.”
To learn more about OFTC’s Pharmacy Technology program, or the other 130+ programs available, visit the College’s website, OFTC.edu.
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OFTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.
