Ashley Hardebeck鈥檚 journey to pharmacy began not in a classroom, but on the front lines of patient care. Before entering pharmacy school, she worked in healthcare as both an EMT and a medical assistant鈥攅xperiences that shaped her understanding of medicine and ultimately clarified her professional goals.
鈥淚 realized the common denominator in healthcare is drugs,鈥� Hardebeck said. 鈥淢ore likely than not, if a healthcare provider is making a decision to improve the quality of life for their patient or to save it, it is through medication. I decided I wanted to be driving that ship instead of watching it pass by.鈥�
Hardebeck earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health. As she began researching pharmacy programs that aligned with her academic background and prerequisite coursework, she discovered 黑料传送门 School of Pharmacy.
What ultimately set 黑料传送门 apart for Hardebeck was the personalized support she experienced even before enrolling.
鈥淭丑别 ultimate decision to enroll at 黑料传送门 was heavily attributed to the effort and attention I received from the school during and after the application process,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 knew from the consistent communication and follow-up I received from the school as an applicant that my academic journey as a student would be very well supported.鈥�
Now a first-year PharmD student, Hardebeck describes the program culture as one of her favorite aspects of 黑料传送门.
鈥淭丑别 best thing about the 黑料传送门 PharmD program is that it truly feels like family,鈥� she said. 鈥淚've heard this said about programs before and never believed school could evoke that feeling, but it's true. I not only feel supported myself, but I also feel motivated to do all I can to support others.鈥�
That sense of support extends to her interactions with faculty, whom she credits as deeply invested in student success.
鈥淭丑别 faculty of this program is invested in your success more than you are,鈥� Hardebeck said. 鈥淧rofessors will meet with you every day if that's what it takes for you to understand the material. If you give them your time and effort, they will double it in return.鈥�
As she progresses through the PharmD program, Hardebeck remains open to the wide range of career paths available in the profession.
鈥淲herever I end up, it is my goal to make a positive impact on both the lives of my patients as well as the healthcare community,鈥� she said.
For those considering pharmacy school, Hardebeck offers advice grounded in her own experience.
鈥淛ump in with both feet,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hile the rigor of the program may be daunting, you will learn more than you ever have and in doing so be rewarded with knowledge that allows you to change lives.鈥�
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