Since 1976, BPS board certified pharmacists have been enhancing patient outcomes by providing specialized care. The gold standard for identifying which pharmacists are qualified to contribute at advanced practice levels is board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. The BPS board certified pharmacist stands out as being the most qualified to handle today’s expanding expectations of patients, doctors, employers, and others who recognize the growing need for a team approach to healthcare thanks to our rigorous standards.
Pharmacist Certification Programs
Why are pharmacist certifications important?
The Board of Pharmacy Specialists typically administers board certifications, also known as advanced certifications, which are a type of certification for pharmacists. The American Pharmacists Association’s independent certification body, BPS, is in charge of establishing the standards for the industry that enable pharmacists to work in advanced or specialized healthcare fields. This agency offers certification and recertification services.
Depending on the pharmacy specialty you want to pursue, there are different requirements to take the BPS certification exam. You must possess a degree from an accredited pharmacy program, an active license, four years of practice, and residency in a specialized field in order to work for BPS. You must also read study materials and enroll in pre-exam classes from outside organizations, like pharmacy colleges, before taking the BPS exam. Here are 11 board certifications available from BPS:
1. Ambulatory care pharmacist
Ambulatory care pharmacists with board certification handle, treat, and manage patients’ medication needs. Typically, they are employed by neighborhood clinics, private medical practices, neighborhood pharmacies, or rehab centers. For instance, individuals can speak with an ambulatory care pharmacist about creating a medication plan and learning how to self-manage when they have a chronic illness like diabetes or hypertension.
2. Pediatric pharmacist
Pediatric pharmacists with board certification concentrate on the medication diagnosis and treatment of infants through adolescents up to the age of 18. Pediatric pharmacists educate parents and patients on health care management and medication therapy as members of the healthcare team. They examine cultures and sensitivity while also providing pediatricians with additional data to help them choose the best medications for their patients.
3. Nuclear pharmacist
Nuclear pharmacists with board certification are experts at diagnosing and treating patients with radioactive drugs. They identify disease states and potential therapeutic benefits, develop dosing schedules, and analyze current and novel radiopharmaceuticals. In order to maintain patient safety, nuclear pharmacists are experts who can offer helpful advice and consultation to the medical team.
4. Cardiology pharmacist
5. Geriatric pharmacist
Geriatric pharmacists with board certification concentrate on treating patients who are elderly. To create safe and efficient treatments and procedures, they analyze the various medications that are on the market. Geriatric pharmacists typically work in clinics or hospitals and are a valuable resource for nurses, healthcare professionals, and caregivers in choosing the best medications for their patients.
6. Critical care pharmacist
Critical care pharmacists with board certification focus on providing medication therapy for seriously ill or injured patients. They are employed by hospitals’ intensive care units as members of the intensive care team. Critical care pharmacists perform swift analyses of clinical data to guarantee secure patient outcomes because ICUs treat patients who are at risk or who have life-threatening conditions.
7. Infectious diseases pharmacist
8. Psychiatric pharmacist
Psychiatric pharmacists with board certification focus on providing medication management for patients with psychiatric conditions like postpartum depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Their patient base includes people of all ages, including infants, adults, and the elderly. In order to ensure dosage and treatment, psychiatric pharmacists can benefit from in-depth knowledge of many medication practices. Patients with addictive disorders, such as alcohol or drug abuse, are also treated by them.
9. Oncology pharmacist
Board-certified oncology pharmacists develop medication therapies for patients with cancer. They assist the medical staff in cancer treatment facilities by keeping track of patients’ drug interactions and reactions. Following up with patients about their medications to inform them and make sure they understand the advantages of maintaining an appropriate medication regimen is another important responsibility of oncology pharmacists. In addition, oncology pharmacists participate in clinical trials as a member of the pharmacy team for investigational drugs.
10. Nutrition support pharmacist
11. Pharmacotherapy specialist
The safe and effective use of medications is the main focus of board-certified pharmacotherapy specialists. They typically collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams in hospitals and clinics to enhance quality and safety and optimize medication use systems. Pharmacotherapy experts also oversee, assess, and carry out both pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological treatments.
General certifications for pharmacists
A variety of organizations offer general certifications for aspirant pharmacists to pursue. Depending on the specialization, there are different educational and eligibility requirements, but the majority of them call for you to pass a test. Here are five general certifications pharmacists can pursue:
1. Certified specialty pharmacist
Certified specialty pharmacists focus on creating and overseeing the medication regimens for patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. They can work in a variety of settings, including ambulatory care facilities and pharmacies that specialize in specialized medications. The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy offers this pharmacist certification.
2. Certified medical interpreter
If you are fluent in several languages, you could study to become a certified medical interpreter. This kind of certification is available from the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters in Spanish, Korean, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. Certified medical interpreters enhance patient-provider communication by assisting both parties in comprehending the symptoms, diagnosis, medications, and treatments.
3. Certified pharmacy technician
4. Certified medical administrative assistant
This type of certification is provided by the National Healthcareer Association, along with a wealth of study materials to aid in exam preparation. Certified medical administrative assistants schedule appointments, review correspondence, and coordinate operation reports with healthcare providers to maintain healthcare offices.
5. Certified clinical research professional
Consider pursuing certification as a clinical research professional if you enjoy conducting research. This kind of certification is provided by the Society of Clinical Research Associates to a variety of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. Professionals with certification in clinical research can find work in academic or private institutions, biotechnology firms, and clinical research organizations. You can typically anticipate managing clinical trials, creating treatments, and interacting with patients.
Please be aware that Indeed is not connected to any of the organizations mentioned in this article.
FAQ
What is a BCPS in pharmacy?
The BPS Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) program is a credential for pharmacists who have satisfied the requirements listed below and who, in the course of their specialization, ensure the safe, appropriate, and cost-effective use of medications as members of interprofessional treatment teams in a range of contexts, including
What are the pharmacist credentials?
A bachelor of pharmacy (BSPharm) or doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree as well as state licensure are requirements for pharmacists to be able to practice. Credentials may also include “certificates” and “statements of credit” that healthcare professionals receive for continuing education (CE).
What is ACCP certification?
The ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) advances the acceptance of nondestructive testing (NDT) certification on a national and international scale and supplies the NDT industry with personnel who have proven their expertise in the specialized application of the five (5) methods below.
