This episode of CPhT Connect features Part 2 of a special live “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session recorded during the 2026 Pharmacy Technician Student Summit. Our hosts Mike Johnston and Ashleigh Smith continue the conversation with our expert panel of speakers. Following the success of Part 1, we dive into practical, high-impact strategies to help students navigate their certification preparation and professional growth. This session focuses on turning complex study requirements into manageable, effective habits and understanding the nuances of the pharmacy field.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Optimized Study Patterns: Effective techniques for pairing dense subjects (like the Top 200 drugs) with lighter topics to prevent burnout and maximize retention.
• Mastering Pharmacy Math: How to treat formulas as “tools in a toolbox,” and the importance of applying math theory to real-world pharmacy practice to make it “come to life.”
• Navigating Pharmacy Law: Shifting the focus from tedious date memorization to understanding the “story” and purpose behind the laws, making them easier to recall for exam purposes.
• The “Hidden” Requirements: Addressing what students often overlook when preparing for a career as a pharmacy technician—specifically the critical development of soft skills and professional conduct.
• Personal Growth: How to use your training period as an opportunity to reevaluate your professional perspective and build the career you’ve always envisioned.

About Our Guests:

• Lorinda Lohner, MBA, BS Pharm, CPhT: A regular NPTA presenter based in Las Vegas and a published author specializing in pharmacy calculations and the Top 200 drugs.
• Sharon Garrett, CPhT: A dedicated educator and published author from Louisiana with extensive experience in the pharmacy technician field.
• Cassi Prosper, CPhT: A recurring summit presenter from California, focused on helping students streamline their learning processes.
• Jamie McGuire, CPhT: A summit presenter joining the discussion from West Virginia to share professional insights with the next generation of technicians.

Registration Information: 

While the live summit has concluded, all resources and training materials remain available on-demand throughout the year. Students can register for these free tools at cpht.org/student.

Link to Book Resources:

• Pharmacy Technician Exam Review: https://a.co/d/0ikwFSFq
• Top 200 Drugs Memorizing Made Ridiculously Easy (ebook): https://amzn.to/3TbR7EH
• Pharmacy Calculations Made Ridiculously Easy (paperback): https://amzn.to/45LNnBd
• Top 200 Drugs Simplified: Pharmacology Coloring Book & Study Guide: https://a.co/d/025SzbVr
  
  

  Stay Connected: Have questions or ideas for the show? Email us at podcast@cpht.org.
  
  This is Part 2 of the Student Summit AMA. If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to the previous episode for our deep dive into the four key knowledge domains and certification exam blueprints.