On December 27, 2013, the National Association of Professional Women announced they named Jillian Hernandez a Professional Woman of the Year (2013/2014). Specifically they were honoring her with this title “for leadership in long term care consulting” as a pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy Technician Jillian Hernandez
Hernandez first started working as a pharmacy technician in 2001 while she was pursuing her undergraduate studies. To date some of her educational accomplishments include a Pharmacy Technician Certificate, a Clinical Research Associate Certificate, a Bachelors of Science in Biology, a Master of Science in Human Anatomy and Physiology and a Graduate Certificate in Health Services Administration.
Through continuous learning, and working in the field for over a decade, Hernandez has developed many areas of expertise including research, electronic medical administration records (eMAR), pharmacy education and project management. She currently works with Northwest Health Systems (NWHS), which specializes in medical supply and long-term care pharmacy services.
Pharmacy Technicians Working in Long-Term Care
“It was not until I began working with NWHS in March 2010 that I even knew long-term care pharmacy existed,” states Hernandez on her National Association of Professional Women profile page. “But now, I cannot imagine working in any other type of pharmacy. Working for NWHS allows me to work as part of a healthcare team, including pharmacists, technicians, nurses, medication aides, and prescribers, in order to provide appropriate health care to our residents in assisted living, adult family homes, and supported living.”
Since people are living longer, and our population is aging, the demand for all allied health staff and medical practitioners working directly or indirectly with long-term care (LTC) facilities is continuously increasing. It should be noted, however, that patients in long-term care can be any age, from children with congenital diseases to the elderly. According to Jahangir Moini’s book The Pharmacy Technician (2010), “There are now more long-term facility beds than acute care beds.”
If you are interested in working as a pharmacy technician in LTC pharmacy you do not need to complete all of the impressive education milestones that Hernandez completed, although continuous education may help you rise up the career ladder (according to NWHS’ website, Hernandez is their e-Mar Specialist).
Generally to work as an LTC pharmacy technician, employers might prefer one to two years experience in retail, outpatient or other related settings, and state pharmacy tech licensure and/or CPhT certification.
As you research LTC opportunities, note that pharmacy technicians may either work offsite in closed-door pharmacies or onsite at the LTC facility.
