AFTER five years of online study, a global pandemic and juggling life as a working mum, Tiff Findlay (pictured) is now a step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a fully qualified pharmacist.
The mother of two has commenced her 12-month pharmacy internship at Orana Mall Pharmacy (OMP) in Dubbo, after completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy with the University of New England.
The mature age student said that with her children at school, now was her time.
"Pharmacy is what I wanted to do when I finished school, but I had to work, and to be honest I don't know if I would have been as committed at 18," said Findlay, who is now 35.
"In 2021, during COVID lockdown I was working, home schooling and studying.
"It has been an effort, and when I finally submitted that last assignment and got the results, I cried happy tears.
"I felt like I'd actually made it - I had finished."
Industry figures show more than 2,700 full-time equivalent (FTE) pharmacists are needed across Australia in 2025, with rural and regional areas more likely to experience staff shortages.
"My husband has a business here, so we're settled," Findlay said.
"I was already working at OMP, and love the team, so we're staying."
Findlay is no stranger to the healthcare industry, with numerous members of her family working with the NSW Ambulance service.
"It is hard to get into a doctor or specialist in areas like Dubbo.
"Community pharmacies are easy to access and we offer many services," Findlay said.
It also been a great example for Findlay's children.
"Their takeaway [after my graduation] was that even if people say you can't do something, you can do hard things - and you should.
"It doesn't matter when - if you want to do something, and have your heart set on it, you can do it." KB
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