Switzer graduates from SIUE with Pharmacy degree
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On May 1st, Avoree Switzer completed her journey as she graduated from SIUE in their pharmacy program. A week later, Switzer graduated with a Masters of Business Administration from SIUE as well.
In her freshman year at Chrisman High School, Switzer made the decision to pursue pharmacy.
“I went to a career fair at a hospital to observe a different profession that just happened to be paired with the pharmacy tour,” Avoree told us. “After that, I knew pharmacy was what I wanted to do.”
Now that she had her future degree focus, next was choosing a college to attend. After she visited the campus at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, the search was over.
“Once I visited the campus, I was so set on attending SIUE that it was the only school I applied to,” Switzer said. “I visited every year during their pharmacy school showcase up until I was ready to apply.”
Switzer graduated from Chrisman in 2016 and completed two years of undergrad at Danville Area Community College, followed by four years at SIUE in the pharmacy program. During her time, Switzer became engaged to longtime boyfriend, Jacob Burch.
Though school was difficult as well as time consuming, Switzer knew she made the right decision.
“I don’t think I ever second guessed it. I had put so much time and effort into it that I was too invested to think about anything else,” Avoree said. “Everything seemed to flow pretty well and I think it’s a good fit for me.”
With her degree, Switzer is classified as a Pharm.D, a doctor of pharmacy.
“A Doctor of Pharmacy degree has vast opportunities in retail, hospital, research, compounding, sales, insurance, etc.,” Switzer said. “Pharmacists dispense and manage medication regimens, make recommendations for drug therapy and hold a vital role in medication safety.”
In the next couple of months, Switzer will be studying for her board and law exam to be able to able to practice as a licensed pharmacist. After that, she hopes to find a job as a hospital staff pharmacist or work at an independent community pharmacy.
As of now, Switzer believes that she is finished with school, but with healthcare evolving constantly, there’s always more to learn.
“My goal is to gain some work experience as I move up to a pharmacy management position in the future.”
