After briefly working as a pharmacy assistant, Jessica Sheard quickly realized that her passion lay in pursuing a degree in pharmacy. Her journey began with the need to complete prerequisite course for pharmacy programs in Canada, which led her to explore the offerings of College of the Rockies.
“I chose the College because I needed adult upgrading, and the College’s accessibility and affordability made it the perfect fit for me. It allowed me to quickly catch up in my science courses and then transition seamlessly into University Science courses. The decision to continue my education at College of the Rockies before transferring to a university was an easy one,” Jessica said.
One of the standout features of her time at the College was the small class sizes. This environment allowed for personalized support and guidance from passionate teaching staff, which was crucial for someone with aspirations to enter a competitive professional program. The extra care and attention from instructors helped Jessica achieve the grades necessary to apply for university pharmacy programs.
Now a licensed pharmacist holding a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and working full time at Shoppers Drug Mart, Jessica’s day-to-day responsibilities focus on ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medication for their medical conditions. A significant portion of her work involves educating patients on their medical conditions, medications (both over the counter and prescription), and providing a range of vaccinations to help keep them healthy.
However, it’s not all routine. “One of the more fun and interesting parts of my job is providing travel consultations,” Jessica said. “I help travellers prepare by offering advice on vaccinations and medications based on the countries they will be visiting.”
Looking ahead, Jessica is excited about expanding her expertise through a clinical intensive learning experience this summer with the BC Centre for Substance Use in Vancouver. This opportunity will allow her to deepen her understanding of opioid use disorder and its treatment options, further enriching her ability to serve patients in the community.
Reflecting on the impact of her education at College of the Rockies, Jessica credits the institution with providing a solid foundation in the sciences. “The knowledge I gained in organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and anatomy and physiology was vital for my success in pharmacy. It gave me an edge over many of my classmates who had completed their prerequisites at larger universities with larger class sizes,” she said.
As someone who began her academic journey with adult upgrading, Jessica encourages others to consider College of the Rockies for their own education. “I can honestly say that the College was a great steppingstone for me to achieve my goals. Whether you’re starting from adult upgrading or transitioning into University Sciences, the quality of education is outstanding. Plus, the affordability of attending a smaller college, combined with the wonderful Kootenay lifestyle, made it a perfect choice for me.
Jessica’s journey is a testament to how College of the Rockies can provide a supportive and affordable path to success in competitive fields like pharmacy.