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Pharmacy was never part of the plan. At least, that’s what Danielle Bush thought when she was working as a grocery store cashier. But sometimes, the best career paths are the ones you don’t see coming.
Today, Danielle is the Nonsterile Training Supervisor at Town & Country Compounding in Ramsey, New Jersey, where she plays a vital role in training, compliance and compounding pharmacy advocacy. Her journey from an unexpected opportunity to becoming a leader in her field is a testament to curiosity, passion and the ever-evolving role of pharmacy technicians.
I was working as a cashier at a grocery store when the pharmacy manager asked if I’d be interested in training as a technician. I wasn’t thinking about a long-term career — my biggest motivation at the time? Getting rid of the awful yellow shirt I had to wear. A white lab coat sounded like a much better deal.
But once I started, I realized something: I was good at it. More importantly, I loved it. I didn’t see myself as a doctor or a nurse, but I had always felt a strong desire to help people. Pharmacy fulfilled that need. It gave me a way to make a real impact while working in a flexible environment. I stayed in retail pharmacy for nearly a decade before deciding I wanted more.
After finishing my undergraduate degree, I went on to earn a master’s. Then the pandemic hit. The world stopped, and I took a hard look at what I wanted. That’s when I decided to take pharmacy seriously as a career — not just a job. I pursued my PTCB certification, and that’s where I really started to understand the world beyond retail pharmacy. I was fascinated by compounding, but I wasn’t sure how to break in.
When a position opened at Town & Country Compounding, I went for it. I had no compounding experience, but I figured the worst they could say was no. That was in 2021. Four years later, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
At Town & Country Compounding, we don’t dispense traditional manufactured medications. We focus entirely on compounded, personalized medicine — things like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), low-dose naltrexone, thyroid medications and sterile compounding to help manage shortages. It’s a fast-paced environment that requires constant learning, and I thrive on that.
One of the things I love most about my job is how compounding allows us to solve real-world medication problems. There were so many therapies available that as a retail technician I had no awareness of. For years Town & Country has been a leader in customized patient-specific formulations and personalized counseling. More recently, we’ve helped fill the gaps in medication availability due to supply chain disruptions. When a patient comes in and says, “I can’t get this anywhere else,” that’s when I know we’re making a difference.
I started as a compounding technician, but knew I wanted to do more. My management team has been incredibly supportive, allowing me to take on new responsibilities in compliance and regulatory work. Now, as Nonsterile Training Supervisor, I oversee technician training, competency assessments and quality assurance — while still jumping into the lab when needed. Small businesses mean wearing a lot of hats, and I love that about my job.
Beyond the technical side of things, I’ve become deeply invested in advocacy for pharmacy technicians. There’s still a perception that technicians just “lick, stick and pour” prescriptions. That’s outdated. We’re stepping into leadership roles, getting advanced certifications and taking on more responsibilities than ever before. If we want the industry to recognize that, we have to speak up.
One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in pharmacy is the realization that technicians are an underutilized resource. We work alongside pharmacists every day, absorbing knowledge and building skills that go far beyond data entry and dispensing. In recent years, we’ve seen massive progress:
I’m heavily involved in organizations like the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC) and PCCA’s Concierge Compounding Program, where I advocate for the continued expansion of technician roles. This isn't just about job growth — it’s about ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care by empowering the professionals who make it happen behind the scenes.
One of the most rewarding moments in my career so far was joining a technician advocacy town hall hosted by APC. Seeing other techs who had moved into leadership roles was eye-opening — it made me realize how much potential we have, and it inspired me to step up and take a more active role in shaping the future of pharmacy technicians.
If you’re a pharmacy technician who wants to grow, my advice is simple: Put yourself out there. Join professional organizations, attend webinars and don’t be afraid to take on challenges you don’t feel “ready” for. You don’t have to be an RPh to make a difference in this industry. There’s space for us — if we take it.
Danielle’s story is proof that the role of pharmacy technicians is changing — and for the better. Her journey from a grocery store cashier to a respected leader in compounding pharmacy demonstrates the growing opportunities available in the field. Danielle recently shared her story on The Mortar & Pestle podcast, discussing her journey, advocacy work and the future of pharmacy technicians. Listen to the full episode here.
As more pharmacies recognize the value of skilled technicians, the profession will continue to evolve, offering new career paths beyond traditional roles. As part of our commitment to this evolution, PCCA is excited to host our first-ever Compounding Technician Summit, May 29-30, 2025, in Houston, Texas, and also available to watch virtually.
At PCCA, we believe in supporting the growth of pharmacy technicians like Danielle. Whether through training, certification support or advocacy, we’re committed to ensuring that pharmacy technicians have the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing industry.