After four years with Walgreens, Tori Allen is taking the next step toward becoming a pharmacist through Pacific University's accelerated 3-Year PharmD Pathway, combining a challenging academic program with continued part-time employment and the support of her employer, faculty, and mentors.
For four years, Tori Allen has been building her experience in pharmacy at Walgreens, where she worked as a certified senior pharmacy technician before recently transitioning into a pharmacy intern role. Along the way, the pharmacists she worked with recognized her potential and encouraged her to consider taking the next step in her professional journey: becoming a pharmacist herself. “I was encouraged to pursue a PharmD at the recommendation of several pharmacists I have worked with in the past,” Tori shared. “They made it so I had the courage to pursue a rigorous program such as the 3-year pathway offered at Pacific University.”
Today, Tori is a PharmD candidate in the Class of 2029, pursuing her degree through Pacific University School of Pharmacy's accelerated 3-Year PharmD Pathway while continuing to work at Walgreens.
From Pharmacy Technician to Future Pharmacist
Tori's four years at Walgreens have given her valuable experience in pharmacy practice and the opportunity to work alongside pharmacists who helped shape her professional aspirations. As a certified senior pharmacy technician, she developed practical knowledge of pharmacy operations and gained firsthand exposure to the responsibilities of pharmacy professionals. More importantly, she found encouragement from pharmacists who believed in her ability to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
Their support helped give her the confidence to pursue a demanding academic program and take the next step in her education.
Since beginning pharmacy school, Tori has transitioned into a pharmacy intern position at Walgreens, allowing her to continue gaining professional experience as she works toward becoming a pharmacist.
Choosing an Accelerated Pathway at Pacific
When considering pharmacy schools, Tori was particularly attracted to Pacific University's accelerated three-year curriculum, small class sizes, and strong residency match outcomes. “Pacific University, in addition to offering an accelerated program, appealed to me with its small class sizes and high student residency match rates,” she explained.
For Tori, choosing the accelerated pathway was a deliberate decision. Rather than pursuing a more traditional timeline, she wanted an academically challenging program that would allow her to earn her PharmD in three years. “I chose to pursue the 3-year pathway to challenge myself academically while pursuing my degree.”
The accelerated structure requires significant dedication and careful time management, but Tori welcomed the opportunity to immerse herself in her pharmacy education while continuing to develop professionally.
Balancing an Accelerated PharmD Program and Employment
Since beginning the program in fall 2026, Tori has continued working part-time at Walgreens, adjusting her employment schedule to accommodate the academic demands of the accelerated pathway.
Recognizing the intensity of the curriculum, she made a conscious decision to significantly reduce her working hours so that her education could remain her primary focus. She now averages approximately 50 hours of work per month, including about nine scheduled hours every other week and additional shifts when her availability permits. “My academic schedule takes priority over my work availability,” Tori explained.
She credits open communication with Walgreens management and their willingness to accommodate her educational responsibilities as important factors in maintaining that balance. “I have communicated clearly with management what my availability will look like and have been met with an abundance of understanding and encouragement, making it very easy to have a flexible work schedule that fits my needs as a student.”
Her experience highlights how employer flexibility can help pharmacy students remain connected to professional practice while pursuing an academically demanding degree.
For Tori, balancing school and employment is not about maintaining the same schedule she had before entering pharmacy school. It is about making intentional choices, setting priorities, and working with a supportive employer to create a schedule that allows her to succeed academically.
Finding Support and Mentorship at Pacific
Although Tori is still early in her PharmD education, her experience at Pacific University has already reinforced the importance of a supportive learning environment.
She particularly appreciates the accessibility of faculty and staff and the encouragement students receive to ask questions and actively engage in their education. “Since starting the program, the university staff and faculty have been very supportive of the student body,” she shared. “It has been made clear that questions are encouraged and appreciated.”
Tori has also found the School's mentorship program especially valuable as she navigates the demands of the accelerated curriculum. “I have found that the mentorship program has been very helpful when it comes to keeping me focused and on track, as well as ensuring that I'm looking ahead to make sure I am prepared for upcoming events and opportunities that are available to me.”
For a student balancing an intensive academic schedule with continued employment, having access to guidance, encouragement, and mentorship has helped her stay organized and focused on her professional development.
Beyond Work and School: Finding Time to Recharge
Outside of her academic and professional responsibilities, Tori enjoys spending time outdoors whenever her schedule allows.
Whether hiking, visiting dog parks, or taking leisurely walks through town, she appreciates opportunities to step away from her busy routine and spend time with her dog. “When given the opportunity, I like to spend my free time outside, whether that be hiking, dog parks, or leisurely walks through town,” she shared. “I enjoy bringing my dog with me and spending time with them whenever and however I can.”
These activities provide opportunities to relax and recharge as she navigates the demands of pharmacy school and work.
Looking Toward the Future
As a first-year PharmD student, Tori is still exploring the many career opportunities available within the pharmacy profession. Rather than committing to a particular area of practice at this early stage, she is looking forward to learning more about the different professional pathways she may pursue. “I do not have any specific area of interest yet but am eager to learn more about the different opportunities within the pharmacy profession.”
Her journey from certified senior pharmacy technician to pharmacy intern and PharmD student reflects the value of professional encouragement, determination, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. It also demonstrates how an accelerated PharmD pathway can provide an opportunity for motivated students to pursue their professional goals while maintaining a connection to the pharmacy workforce.
For Tori, the decision to pursue her PharmD represents an exciting next chapter—one shaped by the pharmacists who encouraged her, her own desire to challenge herself academically, and the opportunities she is discovering at Pacific University.
As she continues her journey toward graduation in 2029, Tori is building on her pharmacy experience while preparing to explore the many possibilities that lie ahead in her future career as a pharmacist.
Explore Pacific University's 3-Year PharmD Pathway
Pacific University School of Pharmacy's accelerated 3-Year PharmD Pathway offers students an opportunity to earn their Doctor of Pharmacy degree through an intensive, three-year curriculum. The pathway is designed for students seeking an accelerated educational experience, with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and preparation for a variety of pharmacy career paths.
Discover how Pacific University's 3-Year PharmD Pathway can help you take the next step toward becoming a pharmacist.
https://www.pacificu.edu/pharmacy-pharmd/curriculum/three-year-accelerated-pharmd-program
By: Marketa Marvanova, PharmD, PhD, BCGP, BCPP, FASCP | Dean and Professor | School of Pharmacy