Austen Hacker
Pharmacist
Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
About Austen Hacker
Austen Hacker is a licensed pharmacist in Arkansas with experience across retail, hospital, institutional, ambulatory, and oncology pharmacy settings. His career includes serving as Director of Pharmacy at Mississippi County Hospital System, where he managed two hospital pharmacies and one oncology pharmacy, strengthened the 340B program, implemented remote order entry coverage, and established new processes for sterile compounding compliance. He also opened and managed an oncology pharmacy and a surgery center pharmacy during his tenure at CARTI Cancer Center.
Hacker began his professional studies in music, earning a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Baylor University in 2012. After recognizing that a career as a concert pianist was not a sustainable path, he transitioned to pharmacy. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Louisiana Monroe in 2015, followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the same institution in 2018. He received his Arkansas Pharmacist License (PD14647) in August 2018.
His pharmacy career began with an internship at Mel's Pharmacy in Monroe, Louisiana, from July 2016 to May 2017. After earning his licensure, he served as temporary Pharmacist in Charge at Benzer Pharmacy in Helena, Arkansas, and as a PRN Pharmacist at Mississippi County Hospital System. In January 2019, he became Director of Pharmacy for Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, overseeing pharmacy operations in Blytheville and Osceola, Arkansas. He continued in that role when Mississippi County Hospital System resumed direct operation of its pharmacies in September 2021, remaining until February 2023. He then joined CARTI in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he contributed to oncology pharmacy services until April 2026.
Hacker graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas, in 2008 and Cum Laude from Baylor University in 2012. He is a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society and the American Pharmacists Association. He grew up in Ruston, Louisiana, and Texarkana, Texas, participating in piano, track, cross-country, and church youth group activities. In 2003, his family adopted two biological siblings from Penza, Russia. He currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Mel's Pharmacy
Benzer Pharmacy
Mississippi County Hospital System
Comprehensive Pharmacy Services
Mississippi County Hospital System
CARTI
Education
Texas High School
Baylor University
University of Louisiana Monroe
University of Louisiana Monroe
Media
Press
Austen Hacker: From Concert Pianist to Pharmacy Leader
Success depends on how you feel about yourself, rather than how successful you appear to others.Read the full article ›
Austen Hacker on the New Power of Pharmacists in Healthcare
People see the prescription bag. They do not always see the thirty decisions that happened before that bag reached the patient.Read the full article ›
Austen Hacker Built a Career by Embracing Change
I used to think success came from getting everything right. Now I think it comes from continuing to learn, staying curious, and helping the people around you do their jobs well.Read the full article ›
Arkansas Pharmacist Austen Hacker Discusses Why Trust Is Built Through Everyday Patient Care
Patients want to know that someone is listening to them. Clinical knowledge is essential, but people also need to feel heard. When patients trust their healthcare team, they are more comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and becoming active participants in their own care.Read the full article ›
Awards & Recognition
- Summa Cum Laude, Texas High School, 2008
- Cum Laude, Baylor University, 2012
- Alpha Chi Honor Society, member
Licenses & Certifications
- Pharmacist License PD14647, Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, Issued August 2018
Boards & Memberships
- American Pharmacists Association, member
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Austen Hacker do?
Austen Hacker is a licensed pharmacist in Arkansas with experience across retail, hospital, institutional, ambulatory, and oncology pharmacy settings. His career has included serving as Director of Pharmacy at Mississippi County Hospital System and working in oncology pharmacy at CARTI Cancer Center.
What is Austen Hacker known for?
Hacker is known for pharmacy leadership, oncology pharmacy operations, opening and managing specialty pharmacies, and strengthening regulatory compliance and patient care systems in hospital and institutional settings.
Where is Austen Hacker based?
Austen Hacker is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Where did Austen Hacker study?
Hacker earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and both a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Louisiana Monroe in Monroe, Louisiana.
Last updated August 7, 2026