Pharmacy FAQs

• What is the Mission of the Department of Pharmacy?
• In what clinical areas do pharmacy specialists practice?
• Will the department help me to continue my education?
• Are Jefferson pharmacy technicians certified?
• What is the size of the Pharmacy Department? How is it organized?
• Do opportunities exist for advancement?
• I realize that the department must be staffed 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. How far in advance will I know my schedule?
• How much training will I receive?

What is the Mission of the Department of Pharmacy?

The primary purpose of the Department of Pharmacy is to care for the patients of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital through the responsible provision of pharmaceutical care. The department is also dedicated to the education of healthcare professionals, conducting research in the pharmaceutical and medical sciences, and to the promotion of public health.

More specifically, the Department of Pharmacy seeks to:

• Provide optimal drug therapy for all patients in order to improve their quality of life. 
• Provide education and training to pharmacy students, graduate students and pharmacy residents wishing to further expand their experience in pharmacy practice. Such residency training shall meet and exceed the Accreditation Standards approved by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP).
• Cooperate with Thomas Jefferson University and other colleges in the education of medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied health science students.
• Cooperate in all programs whose objectives are to maintain or upgrade the health of the community.
• Conduct pharmaceutical research of a scientific, clinical or administrative nature with the object of improving pharmaceutical services, patient care and the profession of pharmacy as a whole.
• Provide an environment conducive to professional and personal growth in the field of pharmacy.

The department is committed to effectively achieving these objectives in an efficient and economically responsible manner.

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In what clinical areas do pharmacy specialists practice?

At Jefferson, our pharmacists practice in specialty areas such as:

• Neonatology/Pediatrics
• Cardiology/Heart Failure
• Pulmonary/Critical Care
• Drug Information
• Drug Policy Development
• Neurology/Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases/Pharmacokinetics
• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Solid Organ Transplantation
• Pain Management
• Nutritional Support
• Emergency Medicine

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Will the department help me to continue my education?

The department strongly encourages and supports personal growth through the University’s tuition assistance program and by modifying work schedules to accommodate school schedules. Numerous pharmacists and technicians have obtained undergraduate and advanced degrees in related fields of study. 

The department also regularly provides ACPE-approved programs on campus at no charge to its employees. These programs are designed to assist employees in obtaining the educational requirements mandated by the State Board of Pharmacy.

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Are Jefferson pharmacy technicians certified?

The department recognizes the value of Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) by providing a salary adjustment for this credential. Also, certified technicians are invited to attend the numerous continuing education programs offered by the department to assist in maintaining their certification.

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What is the size of the Pharmacy Department? How is it organized?

The Pharmacy Department consists of approximately 65 full-time pharmacists and 65 full-time support personnel (pharmacy technicians and clerks). A sizeable part-time staff increases the department to more then 150 employees.

The department consists of a large centralized pharmacy and three decentralized pharmacies (DCPs) that are responsible for providing drug distribution to approximately 660 beds throughout the main campus of Jefferson Hospital. The department also consists of a well-established Investigational Drug Service that participates in numerous inpatient and outpatient protocols and a Drug Information Center that services practitioners throughout the Jefferson Health System. Outpatient pharmacies and the Jefferson Home Infusion Service also serve the community. 

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Do opportunities exist for advancement?

The department was among the first of its kind to develop a Career Ladder System for pharmacists. The Career Ladder is an organized process for advancing within one’s chosen profession. Its purpose is to recognize the increased value of employees as they grow professionally and personally. At Jefferson each new pharmacist is placed on an appropriate step within the Career Ladder. 

Many pharmacists have advanced through formal promotion into such positions as Advanced Practice Patient Care Pharmacist, Team Leader, Coordinator, Manager, and Assistant Director. Several such positions exist within our large and diverse department.

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I realize that the department must be staffed 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. How far in advance will I know my schedule?

All employees are provided with a set work schedule. Depending on the position, these schedules may include rotating shifts, weekends and/or holiday assignments. For example, a pharmacist or technician may be expected to rotate first and second shifts and to work a routine weekend schedule. Because there is a set schedule, the employee would be able to calculate working assignments months in advance. 

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How much training will I receive?

The department has resources dedicated to organizing and providing effective orientation and training programs. The specific amount of training is highly dependent upon the new employee’s previous experience and the nature of the job. 

Following orientation to the Hospital and to the department, all new employees are provided a significant amount of training. This involves working side-by-side with an experienced staff member. Experience suggests that pharmacists require approximately six-to-eight weeks of supervised training before being asked to work independently. Technicians require approximately four weeks. In any event, each new employee’s progress is monitored and individualized.

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