Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
An advocate for pharmacy technicians nationwide, South Texas College faculty member Roger Rodriguez was recently appointed to a national committee that helps shape education standards and professional development for future generations in the field.
With 15 years of teaching experience, the STC alumnus’ involvement in the Pharmacy Technician Society, a national organization affiliated with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), reflects a commitment to lifelong learning that began during his time as a student at the college.
“I promised myself when I started teaching that I would always put my students in the best position to succeed,” said the 38-year-old. “Staying current and seeking opportunities for pharmacy technicians to be recognized is part of that responsibility. On one of the committees I serve, I am the only pharmacy technician among pharmacists and that fills me with pride because I know I am there to represent the profession.”
Rodriguez’s path into the profession began at STC in 2008, where he enrolled, searching for a career that aligned with his interests and sense of purpose. He went on to earn associate degrees in pharmacy technology and pre-pharmacy, initially setting his sights on becoming a pharmacist.
“I always wanted to learn more about medications, especially as my parents got older and I thought about how I could help them,” Rodriguez said. “Pharmacy gave me the opportunity to understand medications and how they affect people. At one point, I considered pharmacy school, but life took me in a different direction. Being at STC reinforced a culture of growth and learning and showed me that I could continue to develop and move forward, even on a different path.”
Rodriguez went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Medical and Health Services Management from STC, followed by a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Florida.
He also holds multiple professional certifications, including advanced and specialized credentials in sterile compounding, an area he considers his expertise.
His professional experience spans both community and hospital pharmacy settings. Rodriguez worked in retail pharmacy before transitioning to hospital practice, where he specialized in sterile compounding and IV preparation. He continues to work part time as a pharmacy technician at hospitals in Mission and Weslaco, allowing him to stay current in clinical practice and bringing real-world experience back to the classroom.
“Broader pathways for pharmacy technicians are still fairly new because much of the focus has traditionally been on pharmacists, and rightfully so, they carry the profession,” Rodriguez explained. “But our role is also essential. The more I advocate and push for change, the more doors we open for future professionals. I take that work seriously. My goal through my work at the national level is for the state of Texas to recognize pharmacy technicians and give the profession its own lane.”
Rodriguez currently serves on the Educational Steering Committee of The Pharmacy Technician Society for the 2025–2026 term and is also involved in efforts connected to the ASHP that focuses on bridging gaps between academia and health care practice.
He added these opportunities have allowed him to share his knowledge beyond South Texas while also learning from colleagues across the country.
“Getting involved has really made a difference for me,” Rodriguez said. “It’s allowed me to share what I know with my students and bring a South Texas perspective to the national stage. Working with colleagues from other parts of the country opened my eyes to the fact that, even though our regions are different, many of the challenges are the same. If we can make an impact at that level, we can help move the pharmacy profession forward as a whole.”
Despite his national involvement, Rodriguez said his priorities remain rooted in the classroom, with a constant focus on his students’ success and on supporting the continued development of the Pharmacy Technology program at STC.
“Thanks to STC’s resources, our program has grown significantly,” he said. “We now have dedicated spaces for a hospital pharmacy and sterile compounding, and we are remodeling the community pharmacy. Those investments allow us to train students in realistic, hands-on environments, which is something I’m really excited about.”
A loving father of two, Rodriguez states his future remains at STC, where he looks forward to seeing many more students become certified pharmacy technicians and help strengthen the health care workforce across the region.
“Everything they accomplish in the community is a reflection of what we do at STC,” Rodriguez said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without this college. It gave me the opportunity, support and confidence to keep growing, even now as a faculty member. Being able to pass that on to my students and seeing them succeed, whether they pursue pharmacy, nursing or any another path, is what makes this work meaningful.”
For more information on STC’s Pharmacy Technology program, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-3100.
