Health-System Pharmacist
Nancy Handley, R.Ph., M.S., BCGP
Read more about why graduate Nancy Handley, R.Ph., M.S, BCGP chose the Online MTM program, and how it helped her entrepreneurial goals.
Background
I am a health-systems pharmacist in a teaching hospital.
Why did you choose the online Medication Therapy Management Master’s Degree Program?
I have a B.S. in pharmacy and I was looking for an online program that would help me stay current in my career. I did some comparison between the Pharm.D. and the M.S.-MTM. I decided that the MS offered both the business component as well as a strong review of the core disease states that I see in my daily patient population. The length of the program was reasonable as well as the cost.
What surprised you most about the program?
I was surprised to learn how pharmacists can become entrepreneurs and provide services outside of our traditional roles.
What was your favorite part of the online learning experience?
Even though we didn’t have classes face-to-face, I felt as though I got to know my classmates. I still keep in touch with a few over social media and texts. It is interesting to see what pharmacists in other states are doing and how we can take an idea and create a business model out of it.
What has been the most useful takeaway that you have applied to your day-to-day responsibilities?
Utilizing guidelines and evidence based medicine and gaining confidence in my abilities to make written and verbal recommendations.
How has furthering your medication therapy management education affected your current work?
I have more enjoyment in my current work place environment and have become a board certified geriatric pharmacist through BPS. I look for ways that pharmacists can be integrated into the healthcare team in my current job and have taken on an entrepreneurial mindset to create change. I learned so much in the M.S.-MTM program and I continue to look for ways to grow and build upon my new skills.