Jacqueline Jones, CPhT
OPAT Program Technician
ECU Health Medical Center
Greenville, NC
Certification
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Number of Years at Organization
26
Why did you become a pharmacy technician?
My sister-in-law managed a small independent pharmacy in Southern Maryland. She hired me to work the cash register but saw how bored I was and asked one of her techs to train me in the pharmacy, and thus a career was born.
How long have you been practicing?
30 years
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I’m most proud of being repeatedly selected by my supervisors to step into newly created clinical technician roles throughout my career. About 14 years ago, while working in the critical care tower, my supervisor encouraged me to apply for a brand‑new program called medication reconciliation. I applied and became the first medication reconciliation technician at my institution. As the program grew, I helped lead the expansion into virtual medication reconciliation across our sister hospitals, setting the foundation for a system‑wide model. Later, I was chosen as the first technician to launch our outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) technician role. I’ve now been part of OPAT for more than four years, filling a position that is traditionally held by nurses at other institutions and helping shape what this role can look like for the growing clinical technician environment.
What is your most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician?
My most memorable experience as a pharmacy technician happened this year when I requested to attend the ASHP 2025 Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition. I was encouraged to develop a proposal outlining why sending a technician would benefit our institution, and after reviewing it, leadership approved my request and planned to cover my expenses. Shortly afterward, I was awarded one of the professional advancement scholarships for the ASHP Midyear meeting. Being selected was an incredible honor, and I deeply appreciated the support and recognition from my pharmacy leadership. Attending the Midyear and connecting with so many talented technicians from across the country was truly inspiring. I returned home to North Carolina energized, motivated, and eager to find new ways to contribute to the growth and direction of our pharmacy. This experience also sparked a desire to become more involved with TPTS and other pharmacy technician organizations and to continue expanding my influence within the profession.
Why did you become certified?
I earned my pharmacy technician certification in 2006 after our pharmacy administration encouraged us to pursue it and offered reimbursement. I’ve always been a bit of a nerd at heart and genuinely enjoy learning the ins and outs of my profession, so I welcomed the chance to take the exam. Striving to excel in everything I do has always been part of who I am. Working as a technician in a hospital setting, I felt that obtaining a certification — one that required continuing education and pushed me to broaden my knowledge — aligned perfectly with my goals. It allowed me to deepen my expertise, stay current, and continually grow within a field I care deeply about.
What career advice do you have for others interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
Whenever I speak with people who are considering becoming pharmacy technicians, I always encourage them to go for it. It’s a truly rewarding career with countless opportunities to grow, specialize, and make a meaningful impact on patient care. I emphasize that this can be a career — not just a job. With curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to continuous learning, technicians can build long-term, fulfilling professional paths. This field is ideal for people who enjoy expanding their knowledge base and staying engaged with new developments in healthcare. For new technicians, I always recommend seeking mentorship across the many different roles a pharmacy technician can fill. Exploring those pathways helps us discover our strengths, find our niche, and ultimately shape a career that fits who we are and who we want to become.