Some people find their career calling in high school. They know what they want to become, set the course to make that happen, and spend their adult life doing what they love. If you are one of those people, congratulations!
However, that is not the case for many people. Consider this:
Nearly 20% of college freshmen have an undeclared major
Almost 80% of college students change their major at least once before they graduate
Close to 50% of people will switch careers in their lifetime – and that is a complete career switch, not just getting a new job in the same field
So, it is okay to change your mind!
Knowing these stats, set yourself up for success now and down the road by perfecting professional skills that are universal:
Strong Oral and Written Communication Techniques
Unique Problem Solving Capabilities
Leadership and Team Building Strengths
Independent Working and Multitasking Functionality
Make Your Past Work For Your Future
As you consider where you’d like a new career to take you, don’t forget to take stock in what you have already accomplished that can be applied:
Transferable Knowledge: For example, you may not think that experience as an accountant can transfer to a new career as an interior designer, but there are skills that overlap, like managing budgets. Take a deeper look at your skill set from your past experience and get creative when promoting them to a new employer.
Professional Tenure: Whether you have been loyal to a company for some time or you have bounced from job to job, hiring managers will take note. Make sure you are ready to show that you are willing to transfer your loyalty to a new company. Or, show that your multiple jobs created new professional skills at each step along the way.
Personality Traits: Some employers hire based on the company culture they are trying to create. They may select a person with fewer job-specific skills if the personality is the right match. Be charismatic!
Personal Network:Â Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you know someone in the field you are considering, ask them to coffee to discuss the pros and cons. Then, when it is time to start applying, utilize places like LinkedIn to see who you may know at companies of interest. If you find a connection of a connection – ask for an introduction.Â
Get The Training You Need
Some career changes will require additional education or training.
If you are ready to see if a new career in medicine could be a good fit for you, consider a certification course, like our CNA class. It is the perfect opportunity to see if you enjoy the material before extending your education to a 2-year or 4-year college.
Plus, there are plenty of job openings for CNAs, so you don’t necessarily need additional training beyond the 76-hour course to start a new career.
Landed a new job? Wonderful! Let’s make sure you are set up for success.
Here are three easy – but impactful – ways to make sure your first days as a CNA or CMA go smoothly.
1. Bring a Notebook: Documentation is essential in healthcare. CNAs and CMAs often need to record information about their patients, such as vital signs, medications administered, and changes in health status. But sometimes the patient’s record is not readily available. Having a notebook allows you to document these details in real time, so you can transfer them to a chart later.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will likely be standing and walking for the majority of your shift. Comfortable footwear is key to prevent fatigue and injury. Some employers require a specific color or brand, so make sure you check with them before purchasing something new.
3. Ask Questions and Actively Listen: The best employees ask questions when they don’t know the answer. Don’t guess. It is essential you understand your duties and what is required of you. And, don’t forget to actively listen to the answer. Maybe even write it down in your notebook!
There are multiple listings for CNAs, CMAs, Pharm Techs and more. While this career board does not guarantee employment or specific earning potentials, we do what we can to present career opportunities to our students.
Getting Your Certification Is The First Step To A New Career
Once you get certified with a new skill, you won’t automatically get offered a job. You have put in the hard work. But, there are a few things you can do to make the job search process run smoothly.Â
CREATE A SOLID RESUME
You have to grab the interest of a recruiter – and you only have one page to do so. Make sure it provides an accurate description of your qualifications, your accomplishments, and your strengths.  And, we can’t stress this enough: triple check for spelling errors, typos and grammar consistency.Â
MATCH YOUR RESUME TO THE JOB
You may want to use the same resume to apply for every job, but you could make yourself a better match if you adapt your skills to match what is listed in the job post. For example, if they are looking for dementia experience and you have it, move it near the top of your resume to highlight it.Â
CONSIDER A COVER LETTER
Not every job requires a cover letter, but this a great opportunity to let your personality shine through. Plus, some employers give preferential treatment to applicants who took the time to write a personalized cover letter. Consider writing a shell of a letter with customizable opening and closing paragraphs.Â
PRACTICE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Interviews can be stressful. Make sure you are prepared by practicing in the mirror or with a friend. Create a list of some standard questions, such as:
What makes you stand out? What is your greatest accomplishment? What is something you need to work on?
Hospice is a specialized type of care that focuses on providing support and comfort to individuals who are terminally ill. The main goal is to maintain quality of life, rather than trying to cure the illness itself.
Working with hospice requires a unique set of skills and characteristics enabling you to provide comprehensive physical, emotional, and spiritual support to both patients and their families.
It is a rewarding career for those with good communication skills, compassion, and emotional resilience. While it may be difficult to experience losing patients, the impact you make on their last moments – and on their family members – is truly remarkable.
The key services CNAs provide during hospice care are:
Providing personal care: Assisting with daily activities to maintain the patient’s comfort and hygiene such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Monitoring patient’s condition: Keeping a close watch on the patient’s vital signs and health status, and promptly reporting any changes.
Assisting with mobility: Helping patients move around safely and comfortably, using assistive devices when necessary, to prevent discomfort and complications.
Emotional support: Offering emotional support and companionship to patients and their families, listening to their concerns, and providing reassurance during this challenging time.
Maintaining a clean and comfortable environment: Keeping the patient’s room clean and organized, ensuring that the surroundings are conducive to their well-being and peace.
Providing end-of-life care: Supporting patients and their families during the end-of-life process, ensuring that the patient’s final moments are as peaceful and dignified as possible.
Overall, as a Hospice CNA you could positively impact the quality of life for patients in their final stages.
If you are interested in hospice work, consider Comfort Keepers. They have full-time and part-work in this area.
Most QCP classes have a portion of course work that you need to complete online, and at your own pace. Sometimes it is difficult to stay on track and get your assignments done on time. Follow these tips and you will be ready in no time.Â
Find Your Why: It helps to define your larger goals. You know, the ones that prompted you take a course in the first place. Having a clear picture of what the future could hold when you complete the course will be a large source of motivation.
Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps: Once you log into your course, understand all the components that need to be completed and start breaking them into short-term milestones. Set dates to when you will have each element completed. And, make sure you post these dates in an area that is highly visible in your home as a reminder.
Create a Productive Study Environment: When it is time to study, choose a quiet and comfortable place to study, free from distractions. A clutter-free, organized, and well-lit space can positively impact your focus and productivity.
Take Breaks: Schedule study breaks to ensure your mind stays fresh. A good technique is to have 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break. This helps prevent burnout and maintains your concentration.
One of our Premier Partners, Comfort Keepers, has provided us with important information about the causes of compassion fatigue and tips on how you can prevent it.
Read on for details, then consider working at a company that provides resources to keep you healthy and performing your best.Â
Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress, generally presents itself through emotional and physical exhaustion. And, it is often accompanied by diminished empathy and negative feelings like irritability and anxiety. It can strain a caregiver’s relationship with their clients, as well as impact their personal lives.
The Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project notes that the worst symptom of compassion fatigue is denial because it prohibits caregivers from examining the feelings associated with their caregiving situation. And if ignored for an extended period of time, caregivers may begin to feel resentment toward their jobs, clients, and personal relationships.
It’s essential to prioritize self-care to prevent and alleviate compassion fatigue. Keep reading to see Comfort Keepers’ self-care ideas.
Self-Care To Prevent Compassion Fatigue
Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life: Limit exposure to distressing news or situations during personal time.
Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks during work hours to relax and recharge.
Physical Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress and boost energy.
Healthy Eating: Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet, and avoid excessive caffeine or sugar intake, as they can contribute to energy crashes.
Practice Mindfulness: Prioritize staying present and focused on the current moment.
Get a Hobby: Engage in activities you enjoy outside of work to provide a mental break.
Most importantly, you should work for an employer that understands compassion fatigue and provides resources to address it, like Comfort Keepers.
When selecting your certification, you want to ensure you are taking the right course for the job you are seeking. Unfortunately, many medical acronyms sound the same but are actually very different from each other. Below is glossary of terms to help you decipher which certification is best for you. Once you know, reserve your seat in class!
Nursing Certifications
Certified Nursing Aide (CNA)
Certified Nursing Aide is the official title for a CNA and is the nursing certification offered at Quality Career Pathways. To become a CNA in Nebraska, you need to complete a 76-hour course where you will learn how to check vital signs, make up patient beds, assist patients with personal tasks and more. View the full course description HERE.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
The next step up in the nursing profession is a Licensed Practical Nurse. They are often the person administering the medical plan for a patient, sometimes with CNAs assisting them. LPNs require formal training, usually at a community college or technical school, that can be completed in about one year. QCP does not offer an LPN course. Most LPN programs require you to be a CNA for admission.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses or RNs are the ones that work directly with the doctors and medical teams to determine the proper course of action for a patient. Many times they also meet with family members to offer education and guidance about the level of care being provided. RNs become qualified through a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma program from an approved nursing program. Generally these options take anywhere from two to four years to complete, and are not offered at QCP. Most RN programs require you to be a CNA for admission.
Medication Certifications
Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
A CMA administers routine medications and monitors a patient’s vitals and behavior while on medication. This 40-hour course is offered at Quality Career Pathways and is a great way to get a start in the medical profession. View the full course description HERE.
Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)
A Qualified Medication Aide is simply another name for a Certified Medication Aide. It is becoming a popular title in Omaha-area job postings, but know that the terms CMA and QMA can be used interchangeably by employers but the Nebraska Department of Health Human Services utilize the term CMA.
Medical Assistant (MA)
This title can be deceiving. Although it sounds like a CMA, it is actually very different. A Medical Assistant trains for approximately nine months to two years, depending on your workload. The MA program will cover medication management along with more advanced skills like surgical assistance, EKG reading and more. QCP does not offer a MA course.
Life Saving Certifications
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic Life Support is a comprehensive course specialized for health care professionals that teaches you proper CPR techniques, AED instruction and how to remove airway obstructions in both adults and infants. It is certified by the American Heart Association and is required for hospital and most clinic jobs. View our full course description HERE.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is just one element included in our BLS course. Specifically it is an emergency procedure consisting of chest compressions combined with artificial ventilation in an effort to manually preserve brain function until further measures are taken to restore blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
The skills in an ACLS course are the same ones you’ll learn in a BLS course, but they are more advanced and designed specifically for health care professionals who will frequently encounter cardiovascular emergencies. QCP does not offer an ACLS certification.
If given the opportunity, most employers would rather promote from within instead of hiring someone new. If you currently work in a medical setting and are interested in advancing your career as a CNA, CMA, or Pharmacy Technician, consider talking to your manager or HR representative. Here’s how:
Schedule a meeting: Explain that you are looking for additional responsibilities and you’d like to set aside a few moments to talk about what that could look like.
Do some research:Â Before going into the meeting, understand the training time and cost commitments for the course you’d like to take. Take a look at our pricing page for more details about our programs.
Present your goals: Explain the role you are seeking and the research you have gathered. Your manager or HR representative should then share the company’s prerequisites for the job.
Ask about tuition reimbursement: If they haven’t mentioned it already, ask if the company has a tuition reimbursement program. If so, make sure you understand all the criteria around the program, such as when and how the reimbursement takes place and how long you need to stay with the company.
Enroll in a course: Once you understand the steps your company requires to advance, View Our Course Calendars, select your class time, and enroll.
First, you will get access to your online materials as soon as you enroll in a course and make a payment. You do not have to pay in full to get access (but you can). If you signed up for a payment plan, you simply need to make your first payment.
Next, you will get an email with a link to the Learning Management System (LMS). This is where all your materials are located including content presentations, videos to watch, and quizzes to take. Yes, you will be taking periodic quizzes online to ensure you are comprehending the material.
You can access the LMS through the link that was in your email, or there is a link at the top of our website that will take you to the system’s log in page. You will log in with your email and a system-generated password which you will change upon initial log in.
Your Course Home Page Will Start With An Overview Video
This will show you how to navigate through your material and outline exactly what is expected from you. Please watch it so you are armed with all the information you need.
Tracking Your Progress
There are three ways you will be tracked online to ensure you have completed all the required elements before coming to the school for your in-person skills training and final testing:
Completing the course material: There is a course outline listed on your course homepage that includes all lessons, worksheets, and exams that are required. It is broken into Units to help you better organize your time. Beside each element is an icon that shows you the format:
Training time spent with the material: When you start a new element, a course timer will track how long you are spending with the material. To complete the course, you must review each section AND spend the minimum course requirement hours with the content. For example, for the CNA course, you must spend at least 44 hours with the online content. If you follow the prompts, you will easily reach both your content and timed goals.
Quiz scores: There are several quizzes throughout your course to ensure you are understanding the material. Your score will be calculated at end of the quiz and must achieve a specific score to proceed. Each course and exam has different criteria for passing and the system will let you know if you need to retake a quiz.
Material Details: The Audio Presentations
With audio presentations, you will be listening to the instructor lecture, sometimes with visuals and sometimes without. Please note that there is not a fast forward function. So once you start an audio presentation, if you stop and come back later, you will restart the material in that section again. The audio presentation segments range from 5 minutes to 60 minutes a piece, so take a look at the section’s time ticker before you start.
Material Details: The Videos
The videos are generally there to show you a skill that you will eventually practice when you get to the school. Many students like to revisit these videos right before coming to class.
Material Details: The Quizzes
At the end of each Unit, there will be a quiz. You will be presented with one question at a time and your score will be provided at the conclusion.
After a set amount of time, the quiz will time out and you will receive your score. If you need to retake the quiz, please revisit the prior material to review, then attempt again.
The Progress Report
At any point, you can check your progress through the course by clicking on the menu bar at the top of the screen. A green check will appear next to all the material that you have completed. In the example below, the CNAH Opening Presentation was not completed. You will need to have all sections checked before coming to the school for in-person class.
Additionally, at the completion of a Unit, you will get a summary of your progress. It will show your course completion percentage and your time summary.
Let’s Get Started
Now that you know what to expect online, get enrolled in a course, and get started.
Any person who has been in need of a palliative care for a loved one knows the life changing role this person plays in the medical community. Working in palliative care is much like working in home health care in terms of the skills and tasks you perform, but it takes a special person to be there in this delicate time of the patient’s life. Beyond caring for the patient’s medical needs, you also are a key emotional support pillar for the patient and the family members.
Palliative care is a specialized team of professionals who focus on assisting those with a serious illness.
While many times the care comes in the form of hospice, or end-of-life care, it can be used at any stage of an illness, including alongside a curative treatment.
Become a Palliative Care Team Member
Most palliative care team members are CNAs and CMAs due to the nature of the work. You are responsible for providing relief from the symptoms of their illness and monitoring their reactions to medication changes. The number one goal is to improve the quality of life of your patient and make them as comfortable as possible. Some tasks you may perform are:
Monitoring and recording vital signs
Administering medications
Feeding the patient and maintaining hydration levels
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and one of our Premier Partners, Comfort Keepers, has provided information about the negative effects of stress and how you can better arm yourself against them. We hope you will take a moment to learn more about how you can benefit from proper self care.
Having worries and concerns is natural, but it is important practice stress-reduction techniques to manage these thoughts
Several studies have shown that stress is linked to mental and physical problems, from anxiety and depression to hypertension and immune system complications. In fact, it’s estimated that stress increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, heart attack by 25%, and stroke by 50%.
The great news is that stress, and the techniques to manage it, are usually easy for most people to practice.
Six Simple Self Care Tips
Simple acts of self-care can reduce stress and boost your overall physical and mental health. Try incorporating these simple but effective self-care hacks into your daily routine to reap the benefits and fill up your cup.
Stretching before bed boosts sleep quality and rejuvenates the body so you’ll wake up feeling refreshed
Messy spaces lead to messy thoughts. Before studying, take a moment to tidy the area around you. This will allow you to focus on the one task in front of you.
Instead of reaching for your phone first thing, taking a moment to slowly wake up and acknowledge how you’re feeling can help you be more intentional with your day
Journaling is a positive outlet for dealing with a build-up of negative feelings or expressing frustration and can improve your relationships
Thinking of one thing you are grateful for each day is simple and is linked to improved physical and mental health
Take a moment to yourself to delight in a cup of hot water with lemon—it’s filled with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C!
Other Stress Relief Techniques To Try
Connection can help relieve stress, so call a friend or family member, have a video chat or spend time with loved ones when possible
Meditate at the same time every day or whenever feelings of stress or anxiety arise
Practice deep breathing and mindfulness exercises
Reach out to friends and family to connect and spend time together
Follow a consistent exercise regimen and healthy diet, upon physician approval
Journal or jot down thoughts and feelings at the end of each day – and be sure to take a moment to reflect on all the positive things that happened throughout the day
Find a volunteer opportunity to give back to the community
Put together and execute a to-do list to increase productivity, decrease feelings of restlessness, and combat procrastination
Join a yoga class or practice it at home (with physician approval)
Listen to soothing or relaxing music, especially before bed
Find a way to laugh, whether it’s by watching a funny TV show/movie or listening to a comedy album
Whatever Tips Or Techniques You Try, We Hope You Take Time For Yourself When You Need It
If you’re looking for a fast, affordable way to enter the healthcare field, the Pharm Tech career outlook is becoming one of the most accessible and in-demand career paths today. With strong job growth, flexible work environments, and opportunities to advance, this role offers a clear pathway into healthcare—without requiring years of schooling.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, here’s what you need to know about becoming a pharmacy technician, the Pharm Tech career outlook, and why now is the perfect time to enroll in our training program.
Table of Contents
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in patient care by supporting pharmacists and ensuring medications are prepared safely and accurately. In a typical day, pharmacy techs:
Prepare and label prescriptions
Process insurance claims and payments
Manage inventory and medication supplies
Assist customers and healthcare professionals
Maintain patient records and data systems
They work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Many technicians also find opportunities in specialized environments like compounding pharmacies or senior care.
Pharm Tech Career Outlook
The demand for pharmacy technicians continues to grow across the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by several key factors:
An aging population requiring more prescriptions
Increased prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
Expanding roles for pharmacy technicians as pharmacists shift toward patient care
In addition, there are expected to be about 49,000 job openings each year, creating consistent opportunities for new graduates entering the field.
Major employers are also investing in pharmacy teams, expanding technician responsibilities and creating new leadership roles—further strengthening long-term career potential.
How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Make?
Pharmacy technician pay continues to improve as demand rises. The median annual salary is approximately $43,460 per year, with opportunities to earn more as you gain experience or specialize.
Typical salary ranges include:
Entry-level: $34,000–$39,000
Mid-career: $41,000–$51,000
Experienced/specialized roles: $52,000+
Technicians working in hospitals, long-term care, or specialized pharmacy settings often earn higher wages and enjoy more predictable schedules. This makes the pharm tech career outlook even more favorable.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
One of the biggest advantages of this career is how quickly you can get started. Most pharmacy technicians follow these steps:
Earn a high school diploma or GED
Complete a pharmacy technician training program
Pass a certification exam (if required by your state or employer)
Gain hands-on experience through clinical training or employment
While some individuals enter the field with on-the-job training, completing a structured program gives you a major advantage—especially when competing for higher-paying roles or specialized positions.
Why Choose a Pharmacy Technician Training Program?
Not all pharmacy techs start the same way—and your training can directly impact your career opportunities.
A formal program like the one offered at Quality Career Pathways (QCP) helps you:
Build real-world skills employers are actively looking for
Prepare for certification exams
Gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce
Stand out to hiring managers in competitive job markets
Instead of learning everything on the job, you enter your career confident, prepared, and ready to contribute from day one.
Start Your Career with Quality Career Pathways (QCP)
At Quality Career Pathways, our Pharmacy Technician program is designed to get you job-ready quickly—without sacrificing quality or support. Since the Pharm Tech career outlook is trending upward, getting your certification is a great choice.
Students benefit from:
Career-focused training aligned with employer needs
Experienced instructors who understand today’s pharmacy environment
Hands-on learning that builds confidence and competence
Support every step of the way—from enrollment to job placement
Our goal isn’t just to help you complete a program—it’s to help you launch a long-term career in healthcare.
Career Opportunities with Consonus Pharmacy
One of the biggest advantages of training with QCP is access to real career opportunities through our partnership with Consonus Pharmacy.
Consonus specializes in pharmacy services for senior living communities and long-term care—an area of healthcare that continues to grow rapidly. This means:
Stable, in-demand career opportunities
A more clinical, patient-focused environment
Opportunities to grow within a respected healthcare organization
Graduates of QCP’s Pharmacy Technician program are well-positioned to pursue careers with Consonus and similar employers, giving you a direct path from training to employment.
Does This Pharm Tech Career Outlook Look Good To You?
If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy helping others, and want a career in healthcare without years of schooling, becoming a pharmacy technician could be the perfect fit.
This career is ideal for individuals who want:
A meaningful role supporting patient care
A fast entry into the healthcare field
Job stability and consistent demand
Opportunities to grow and specialize
Take the First Step Toward Your Pharmacy Career
The healthcare industry needs skilled pharmacy technicians now more than ever. With strong job growth, competitive pay, and clear advancement opportunities, there has never been a better time to get started.
Enroll in Quality Career Pathways’ Pharmacy Technician program today and take the first step toward a rewarding, in-demand career—with real job opportunities through partners like Consonus waiting on the other side.
