Meet Jackline Muia, a third-year pharmacy student at Manchester University, whose path to pharmacy school has been anything but traditional. Inspired by her family and driven by a passion for patient care, Jackline’s story shows that there’s no single way to enter the field of pharmacy.
Why Pharmacy?
Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals—her four siblings are nurses—Jackline always admired their ability to help people. This admiration, combined with her interest in how medications work to treat disease, made pharmacy a natural fit. “I wanted to follow in their footsteps and positively impact patient care,” she says. Her curiosity about how drugs interact with the human body aligns with what the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) defines as a core responsibility of pharmacists—improving medication use and advancing patient care.
Taking the Non-Traditional Route
Unlike many pharmacy students, Jackline didn’t start with a bachelor’s in science. Instead, she earned a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, a field that focuses on managing healthcare systems and improving service delivery. Programs like these, as outlined by U.S. News Education, are ideal for those seeking leadership roles in health settings. While working as a residential manager at a long-term care facility, Jackline regularly interacted with pharmacists. Witnessing their role in managing complex medication regimens for patients with multiple conditions inspired her further. These interactions reflect how pharmacists are deeply involved in the continuum of care for elderly and chronically ill patients.
Why Manchester University?
At first, Jackline considered Manchester University’s Pharmacy Program simply because it was close to her home in Fort Wayne. But attending a PharmD prospective student event changed her perspective. “That event made it clear to me—this school would support both my current learning and future career goals,” she explains. Manchester’s emphasis on experiential learning and student-centered education echoed her own ambitions.
The Power of Mentorship
Jackline credits much of her journey to a close friend—a clinical pharmacist and Manchester alumnus—who supported her throughout her application process. He believed in her potential and even wrote a recommendation letter. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), mentorship plays a vital role in helping pharmacy students succeed, especially those from non-traditional paths.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
One of Jackline’s favorite parts of pharmacy school is applying classroom knowledge in real settings. During her IPPE I and II rotations (Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences), she had opportunities to counsel patients, administer COVID-19 vaccines, and perform screening tests. These rotations are a vital part of PharmD programs, as described by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and they prepare students for real-world responsibilities.
Overcoming Challenges
Time management has been one of Jackline’s biggest hurdles. Between academics, extracurriculars, a part-time job, and family duties, finding balance was difficult. She tackled this by waking up early and using a detailed calendar to track exams, work shifts, and deadlines. This time-blocking strategy aligns with recommendations from Pharmacy Times for busy pharmacy students trying to stay organized and productive.
Advice for Future Pharmacy Students
“Pharmacy is a respected and rewarding profession,” Jackline says. Pharmacists are consistently ranked among the most trusted professionals in healthcare, and there are many career paths within the field—including clinical, retail, research, and industry. She encourages students to explore these options early and gain exposure through shadowing or internships.
Lastly, Jackline reminds students to aim for balance. “Academics are important, but so is personal growth. Join pharmacy organizations, volunteer in your community, and develop the clinical and communication skills you’ll need as a future pharmacist.”
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