Top 11 Clinical Pharmacist Certifications

Certifications are important for a clinical pharmacist in the job market because they demonstrate that the pharmacist has specialized knowledge and skills needed to practice in a particular area of pharmacy. Certifications also serve as proof of a pharmacist’s commitment to their profession, which is important when employers are selecting candidates for positions. Certification also helps to differentiate pharmacists from other healthcare professionals, and can help them stand out from the competition. Finally, certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations when applying for certain positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Clinical Pharmacists and explain how they can enhance a clinical pharmacist's career.

What are Clinical Pharmacist Certifications?

Clinical pharmacist certification is a voluntary process of obtaining additional qualifications and credentials that demonstrate a pharmacist's expertise in providing patient-centered care. The certification process involves completing an accredited program, passing an exam, and maintaining the certification through continuing education.

Having a clinical pharmacist certification can provide pharmacists with an advantage when seeking employment or promotions. It demonstrates their commitment to providing quality patient care and it also helps them to stay up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge. Additionally, it provides pharmacists with credibility amongst other healthcare professionals, helping them to gain respect from colleagues and patients alike.

Certified clinical pharmacists are also better equipped to provide comprehensive medication management services for patients with complex conditions or multiple chronic illnesses. They are able to identify potential drug interactions, as well as any negative side effects that could arise from taking certain medications. Furthermore, certified clinical pharmacists have the skills necessary to help patients understand their condition and how best to manage it through lifestyle changes or alternative treatments.

Overall, having a clinical pharmacist certification can be beneficial for both pharmacists and patients alike. It gives pharmacists the opportunity to obtain additional qualifications that will help them advance their career while also allowing them to provide better care for their patients by staying up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge and understanding complex medication regimens.

Pro Tip: When considering clinical pharmacist certification, be sure to research the requirements and eligibility criteria for the certifying body you are interested in. Additionally, take advantage of any available study materials, practice tests and resources to help you prepare for the exam.

Related: What does a Clinical Pharmacist do?

Top 11 Clinical Pharmacist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Pharmacists today.

1. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP)

A Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) is a pharmacist who has achieved specialized certification in the area of ambulatory care. Ambulatory care is defined as the provision of health care services to patients outside of a hospital or other inpatient setting. This includes services provided at clinics, pharmacies, and other community-based settings. The BCACP credential is offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), which is a professional organization that provides certification for pharmacists in various specialties.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for BCACP certification. To be eligible for this credential, applicants must have completed an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy degree program and have at least one year of postgraduate experience in ambulatory care pharmacy practice. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by BPS to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this specialty area.

The cost to apply for BCACP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of BPS or not. For non-members, the application fee is $495 plus $100 for each additional specialty area you are applying for. For members, the application fee is $395 plus $50 for each additional specialty area you are applying for. Additionally, there is an annual maintenance fee of $85 per year once you become certified.

Once certified, pharmacists can use the BCACP designation after their name to demonstrate their expertise in ambulatory care pharmacy practice and advance their career opportunities within this field.

2. Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP)

A Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the care of elderly patients. The BCGP credential is awarded by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP). It is a voluntary certification that recognizes pharmacists who have achieved advanced knowledge, experience, and skills in geriatric pharmacy practice.

To become board certified, pharmacists must meet certain requirements including passing an exam and completing continuing education courses related to geriatrics. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It covers topics such as drug therapy management, patient assessment, medication safety, and communication with other healthcare professionals.

The cost for the BCGP certification exam is $795 for ASCP members and $995 for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, applicants must also pay an application fee of $100.

Once certified, BCGPs must maintain their credentials by completing 30 hours of continuing education every three years. This can be done through online courses or attending conferences or workshops related to geriatric pharmacy practice.

3. Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

A Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) is a pharmacist who has completed specialized training in oncology pharmacy and has passed the BCOP Certification Examination. The BCOP certification is designed to recognize the advanced knowledge and skills of pharmacists who specialize in providing care to patients with cancer.

BCOP certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination that tests knowledge, skills, and abilities related to oncology pharmacy practice. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least two years of oncology pharmacy experience or equivalent education, as well as an active license to practice pharmacy in the United States or Canada.

The BCOP exam is offered twice a year, typically in April and October. The cost of the exam is $500 USD for members of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA), and $700 USD for non-members. Candidates may also be required to pay an additional fee for late registration or rescheduling their exams.

Once certified, BCOPs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every three years. The cost of recertification depends on whether or not the individual is a HOPA member; members pay $250 USD while non-members pay $400 USD.

4. Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP) is a credential that recognizes pharmacists who have achieved advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of nutrition support. The BCNSP credential is awarded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), an independent organization that sets standards for specialty practice in pharmacy.

In order to become board certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

-A Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school or college of pharmacy

-At least two years of experience as a pharmacist in nutrition support

-Completion of an approved residency program in nutrition support or equivalent experience

-Passing scores on the BPS exam for Nutrition Support Pharmacists

The process to become board certified typically takes about one year. After meeting all eligibility requirements, applicants must submit an application to BPS along with the required fees and documentation. Once accepted, they will be scheduled to take the BPS exam. Upon passing the exam, they will receive their BCNSP certification.

The cost for becoming board certified varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$1,000 USD. This includes application fees, exam fees, and any other associated costs such as travel expenses or study materials.

5. Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP)

Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) is a specialized certification offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties. This certification recognizes pharmacists who have completed additional training and education in the areas of mental health, substance use disorders, and psychopharmacology.

In order to become BCPP certified, a pharmacist must have a minimum of two years of experience in providing direct patient care services in psychiatric pharmacy practice settings. They must also complete an accredited residency or fellowship program in psychiatric pharmacy practice, or complete at least 1,000 hours of continuing education related to psychiatric pharmacy practice over the course of five years prior to application.

The cost for the BCPP exam is $400 for members of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and $500 for non-members. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes three hours to complete. The exam is administered twice a year at testing centers across the United States.

Once certified, pharmacists must maintain their certification by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education related to psychiatric pharmacy practice every two years.

6. Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)

Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) is a specialized certification offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). It is designed to recognize pharmacists who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in pharmacotherapy. This certification is available to pharmacists who have completed an accredited residency program or possess post-graduate training in a specialty area.

In order to be eligible for the BCPS, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a licensed pharmacist
• Have completed an accredited residency program or possess post-graduate training in a specialty area
• Have at least two years of full-time practice experience as a pharmacist
• Pass the BCPS Examination
• Hold current BLS/ACLS certification from the American Heart Association
• Have current licensure in all states where practicing pharmacy.

The BCPS Examination consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as pharmacology, therapeutics, pathophysiology, clinical management, and drug information. The cost of taking the exam is $500 for members of BPS and $650 for non-members.

7. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider (ACLS) is an advanced level of training in life support techniques for healthcare providers who respond to cardiovascular emergencies. ACLS training focuses on the recognition and treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other cardiovascular emergencies. It also covers airway management and related pharmacology.

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers two-day courses that cover the topics of ACLS. The course includes lectures, skills practice, simulations, and a written exam. The cost for the course varies by provider but typically ranges from $150 to $300.

To get ACLS certified, you must complete an AHA approved course with a passing score on the written exam. You must also have a current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you will receive an ACLS card that is valid for two years from the date of issue.

The cost for getting ACLS certified depends on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $150 to $300 to take an AHA approved course and receive certification.

8. Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider (PALS) is an advanced certification for healthcare providers who care for critically ill or injured children. It is a two-day course that focuses on the recognition and management of pediatric emergencies, including cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, shock, and other medical emergencies. The course covers topics such as airway management, resuscitation techniques, pharmacology, and electrocardiography.

The PALS certification is offered by the American Heart Association (AHA). To become certified in PALS, you must complete an AHA approved training program. The program consists of both online and in-person components. The online portion includes lectures and interactive activities to help you learn the material. The in-person portion consists of a skills session where you will practice hands-on skills with an instructor.

The cost of the PALS certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $250-$350 for the entire program.

Once you have completed your training program and passed your exam, you will receive your PALS provider card from the AHA which will be valid for two years from the date of issue.

9. Critical Care Registered Pharmacist (CCRP)

A Critical Care Registered Pharmacist (CCRP) is a professional who has completed specialized training and certification in the field of critical care pharmacy. This type of pharmacist specializes in providing medication and other pharmaceutical services to critically ill patients, typically in an intensive care unit (ICU).

To become a CCRP, one must first be licensed as a pharmacist. After licensure, the individual must then complete an accredited critical care residency program or equivalent experience. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) offers a two-year postgraduate residency program for those interested in pursuing this career path. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals are eligible to take the Critical Care Pharmacy Specialty Certification Examination administered by ASHP.

The cost for the exam is $475 for members and $575 for nonmembers. Additionally, there may be costs associated with completing the residency program such as tuition fees and living expenses.

Once certified as a CCRP, pharmacists have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in providing safe and effective medication therapy management to critically ill patients. They can also provide guidance on drug selection, dosing, monitoring, adverse effects, drug interactions and more.

10. Infectious Diseases Certification for Pharmacists (IDCP)

The Infectious Diseases Certification for Pharmacists (IDCP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The program is designed to recognize pharmacists who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the management of infectious diseases. This certification is intended to provide an additional credential for pharmacists who are actively involved in the management of infectious diseases.

To obtain the IDCP, pharmacists must complete an online application and submit it to ASHP. Once approved, they must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, epidemiology, and clinical practice guidelines. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost to take the IDCP exam is $350 for members of ASHP and $400 for non-members. After passing the exam, pharmacists will receive their official certification card within four weeks. The certification is valid for five years and must be renewed at that time.

11. Compounded Sterile Preparations Certification for Pharmacists (CSPCP).

Compounded Sterile Preparations Certification for Pharmacists (CSPCP) is a voluntary certification program offered by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The purpose of the program is to recognize pharmacists who have achieved a level of expertise in compounding sterile preparations.

The CSPCP certification requires successful completion of an online exam and a hands-on practical assessment. The online exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions, covering topics such as USP 797 standards, quality assurance, equipment and supplies, and compounding techniques. The hands-on practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in compounding sterile preparations.

The CSPCP certification typically takes around 6 months to complete from start to finish. In order to get started, candidates must first submit an application form and fee to ASHP. Once accepted into the program, candidates will be given access to the online course materials and exam. After successfully completing the online exam, candidates must then register for a hands-on practical assessment at an approved testing site. Upon successful completion of both components, candidates will receive their CSPCP certification.

The cost for the CSPCP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ASHP member. For non-members, the total cost is $1125 which includes registration fees, course materials and exam fees. For members of ASHP, the total cost is $925 which includes registration fees and course materials but excludes exam fees.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Pharmacist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their current goals. For those currently in a pharmacy profession, such as a pharmacist or technician, having a Clinical Pharmacist Certificate could be beneficial in helping them gain access to more opportunities within their current field. The certificate can demonstrate an individual’s dedication to their profession and provide evidence of additional knowledge and skills related to clinical pharmacy.

Having a Clinical Pharmacist Certificate could also be beneficial for those looking to pursue further education in the field of pharmacy. Having the certificate would help demonstrate one’s commitment and understanding of clinical pharmacy principles, making them more attractive candidates for graduate programs such as those offered by many universities and colleges.

Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a Clinical Pharmacist Certificate is necessary depends on an individual’s specific goals. If an individual is looking to advance their career, obtain further education, or demonstrate their commitment to the field of pharmacy, then obtaining a Clinical Pharmacist Certificate may be beneficial. However, if someone is content with their current position or does not plan on pursuing further education, then they may not need one.

Related: Clinical Pharmacist Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Pharmacist Certifications

1. What is a Clinical Pharmacist Certification?

A Clinical Pharmacist Certification is a credential that demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge and skills in the field of clinical pharmacy. It is typically attained by completing a post-graduate program and passing an exam.

2. How do I become certified as a Clinical Pharmacist?

You must complete a post-graduate program in clinical pharmacy, such as a Master's Degree or Doctorate Degree, and pass an exam administered by one of the certifying boards, such as the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) or American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Becoming certified as a Clinical Pharmacist can help to demonstrate your expertise in the field to potential employers and it can also open up new opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, some states may require certification for certain job positions.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how quickly you complete your post-graduate program and how well you prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year up to three years to become certified.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining certification?

Yes, most certifying boards require that you complete at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain your certification status.