From cleaning the pharmacy to dispensing medication, Angela Watzinger's career progress has been rapid.
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But the Khancoban mother-of-three says it was only possible because she could complete an online course and so avoid multiple four-hour round trips.
Ms Watzinger studied a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy through TAFE Digital, meaning she didn't have to travel to and from Albury for classes.
"In regional areas, that is our nearest TAFE," she said.
"I have to work within school hours. There's no possible way of sort of travelling in that time and still being able to attend to your family, and your work as well."
An aged care nurse before she moved to Khancoban with her children, now aged six, eight and 15, Ms Watzinger began working as a cleaner for pharmacist Marko Popovic at Khancoban Chemist last year.
Her interest in the business saw her move first into sales and then, after her course, become a pharmacy assistant.
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"I've always enjoyed helping the community, that's why I was a nurse to begin with," she said.
"I find that I'm attracted to the medical side of things."
The online study offered flexibility to work at her own pace, easy contact with her teacher and also proved highly relevant to her role at the chemist.
"I could put the kids to bed and then sit and study and I could also do it if I had time throughout the day," Ms Watzinger said.
"The course actually runs for 12 months but I completed it in five.
"You could use everything that you had learnt, you didn't detour off. It really helped me boost my knowledge to be able to assist customers, as opposed to relying heavily on the pharmacist."
Mr Popovic said the online TAFE NSW course had allowed his assistant to gain the qualifications she needed, which also benefited the chemist overall.
"It really levels the playing field for people in the bush and it has helped my business immeasurably," he said.
"In small towns like this where there are a limited number of people under 40, it's not easy to find someone keen to work and interested in the job."
Ms Watzinger completed her course in March and now works with Mr Popovic at Khancoban Chemist as a team of two.
"I was eager to learn more," she said. "It's been a fantastic partnership so far."