Top 10 Hospital Pharmacist Certifications

Certifications are important for a hospital pharmacist in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional standards and provide assurance of competency. Certified pharmacists can be more attractive to employers, as they have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise by passing an exam or completing additional training. Certification also shows that a pharmacist is up-to-date on the latest trends and practices in the field, which can be beneficial when working with patients or other medical professionals. Having certifications also shows that a pharmacist is organized, reliable, and capable of handling complex tasks. Finally, certification can lead to higher salaries and greater job security due to increased demand for certified pharmacists.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how certifications for Hospital Pharmacists can help to advance their careers.

What are Hospital Pharmacist Certifications?

Hospital pharmacist certification is a voluntary process in which a pharmacist demonstrates competency in providing pharmaceutical care services in an acute care setting. It is awarded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), the leading organization that recognizes specialty areas of practice for pharmacists. This certification offers validation of a pharmacist’s expertise and specialized knowledge in providing comprehensive medication management services to patients within an acute care environment, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.

By obtaining this certification, hospital pharmacists can ensure they are meeting the highest standards of their profession and demonstrate their commitment to providing quality patient care. This certification can also help them stand out among other applicants when seeking employment opportunities or moving up within the ranks of their current workplace. In addition, it may be required for some positions or may provide additional salary incentives. Furthermore, it can help pharmacists stay informed about the latest developments within their field and gain access to continuing education resources that can help them further develop their skills and knowledge base.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for hospital pharmacist certification in your state or region. Depending on where you live, there may be additional educational requirements or certification exams that you must pass before being able to work as a hospital pharmacist.

Related: What does a Hospital Pharmacist do?

Top 10 Hospital Pharmacist Certifications

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

1. Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

A Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) is a pharmacist who has achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the practice of oncology pharmacy. The BCOP certification is offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) and is designed to recognize pharmacists who have demonstrated expertise in the care of patients with cancer.

The BCOP certification requires a minimum of two years of oncology experience, including direct patient care and/or research, as well as successful completion of an accredited residency or fellowship program. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as pharmacotherapy, chemotherapy administration, drug interactions, adverse effects management, pharmacokinetics, and clinical management.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the BCOP exam. During this time, candidates should review study materials provided by BPS and attend review courses or workshops related to oncology pharmacy. Candidates can also take practice exams to help them become familiar with the format and content of the actual exam.

The cost for taking the BCOP exam is $1,250 for members of BPS or $1,450 for non-members. This fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams.

2. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP)

A Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) is a pharmacist who has met the qualifications to become certified in providing pharmaceutical care services in an ambulatory setting. This certification is offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) and is designed to recognize pharmacists who have achieved advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in providing pharmaceutical care services to patients in ambulatory settings such as clinics, physician offices, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.

It typically takes one year of postgraduate training or two years of practice experience to become eligible for the BCACP exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must meet certain educational and experiential requirements. The applicant must be a graduate from an accredited college or school of pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (or equivalent). They must also have completed at least one year of postgraduate training or two years of practice experience in ambulatory care pharmacy within the last five years.

To get certified as a BCACP, applicants must pass the BCACP Exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test the applicant’s knowledge on topics related to ambulatory care pharmacy practice. The exam fee is $575 for members of BPS and $675 for non-members.

The BCACP certification is valid for five years after which recertification is required. Recertifying requires passing an examination every five years or completing continuing education activities approved by BPS every three years.

3. Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP)

A Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP) is a healthcare professional who has achieved advanced training in the field of geriatrics and pharmacology. BCGPs specialize in providing comprehensive medication management services to elderly patients, including drug selection and monitoring, drug interactions, side effects, and patient education.

In order to become a BCGP, an individual must complete a minimum of two years of post-graduate training in geriatric pharmacy practice. This includes completing a residency program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), or equivalent experience as approved by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). After completing the required training, individuals can take the BPS certification exam for BCGP.

The cost to take the BPS certification exam for BCGP is $1,250 for members and $2,000 for non-members. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that test knowledge on topics such as pharmacotherapy principles, clinical assessment skills, medication safety and effectiveness, communication skills with older adults and their caregivers, and other related topics.

Once an individual passes the exam they will be awarded with a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist credential from BPS. The credential is valid for five years after which time it must be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the certification exam.

4. Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacy Specialty (BCNSP)

Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacy Specialty (BCNSP) is a certification program offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). The BCNSP certification is designed to recognize pharmacists who have achieved a high level of expertise in the practice of nuclear pharmacy.

Nuclear pharmacy involves the preparation, dispensing, and management of radioactive materials for diagnostic and therapeutic use. This includes compounding, quality assurance, safety protocols, and radiation safety. The BCNSP certification ensures that nuclear pharmacists have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care to patients.

To become board certified in nuclear pharmacy specialty, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. This includes being a licensed pharmacist in good standing with at least two years of experience in nuclear pharmacy practice or completion of an accredited nuclear pharmacy residency program. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by BPS.

The cost to take the BCNSP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of BPS. For members, the cost is $350; for non-members it is $450. The exam fee covers all materials needed for taking the exam as well as access to online resources such as study guides and practice tests.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks from application submission until results are released after taking the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official BCNSP certificate within 4-6 weeks from BPS.

5. Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)

Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) is a certification program offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). The BCPS certification is designed to recognize pharmacists who have demonstrated advanced knowledge in the specialty area of pharmacotherapy.

It typically takes about 18-24 months to complete the requirements for BCPS certification. To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and at least two years of experience in clinical pharmacy practice. You must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by BPS.

The cost for BCPS certification varies depending on whether you are an active or inactive member of BPS. For active members, the cost is $400 plus an additional $50 for each exam retake. For inactive members, the cost is $500 plus an additional $50 for each exam retake.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete continuing education activities related to pharmacotherapy every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

6. Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP) is a credential offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) to recognize pharmacists who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and expertise in nutrition support. This certification is designed to ensure that pharmacists are knowledgeable in the safe and effective use of nutrition support products, such as enteral and parenteral nutrition.

To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by BPS, which include having an active pharmacist license in good standing, a minimum of two years of experience in nutrition support practice or related specialty area, and successful completion of an approved training program. Once these requirements are met, applicants can then take the BCNSP exam.

The BCNSP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test a pharmacist’s knowledge on topics such as drug therapy for patients receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition, monitoring parameters for nutritional therapy, and patient safety issues related to nutrition support. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $450 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, pharmacists will be awarded the BCNSP credential and must renew it every five years by completing continuing education credits.

7. Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP)

A Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) is a pharmacist who has specialized in the practice of psychiatric pharmacy. This certification is granted by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS).

The certification process takes approximately 12-18 months to complete, depending on the individual's experience and background. The process includes completing an application, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating knowledge and competency in psychiatric pharmacy.

To become a BCPP, applicants must first be licensed pharmacists in good standing with their state board of pharmacy. They must also have at least two years of post-licensure experience in psychiatric pharmacy practice or completion of an accredited residency program in psychiatric pharmacy. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from three individuals familiar with their professional qualifications and performance.

The cost to become a BCPP is $1,100 for members of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or $1,300 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the application processing fee, exam registration fee, and portfolio review fee.

8. Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Certification (PPC)

Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Certification (PPC) is a certification program offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). It is designed to recognize pharmacists who possess specialized knowledge and expertise in the safe and effective use of medications for pediatric patients. The PPC program was developed in partnership with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and is available to pharmacists who have completed an ASHP-accredited residency or fellowship program in pediatric pharmacotherapy.

The PPC certification process consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical application assessment. The written examination is administered twice per year, typically in April and October, at testing centers across the United States. The exam covers topics such as pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, drug metabolism, adverse effects, dosing calculations, therapeutic monitoring, and more.

The practical application assessment consists of a series of case studies that are designed to evaluate the pharmacist’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. This assessment must be completed within 12 months of passing the written examination.

To become certified as a Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist (PPS), applicants must pass both the written exam and practical application assessment with a score of 75% or higher on each component. Once certified, PPSs must complete continuing education activities every two years to maintain their certification status.

The cost for taking the PPC exam is $500 for members of ASHP or BPS and $650 for non-members. The cost for taking the practical application assessment is $400 for members and $500 for non-members.

9. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS) is a certification program that provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively assess and manage patients in cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies. The ACLS course consists of didactic instruction, simulated scenarios, and debriefing sessions. It typically takes 8-14 hours of instruction to complete the certification process.

To get ACLS certified, you must first take an approved course from an accredited provider. These courses are offered online or in person at various educational institutions and healthcare facilities. You will need to pass both a written and practical exam in order to receive your certification. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $150-$300.

Once you have completed the course and passed the exams, you will receive your ACLS certification card which is valid for two years. In order to maintain your certification, you must participate in continuing education activities every two years or retake the ACLS course.

10. Emergency Medical Technician Certification (EMT-B).

Emergency Medical Technician Certification (EMT-B) is a certification that allows individuals to provide basic life support and pre-hospital medical care. The EMT-B certification is the first step in becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). It is the most basic level of certification for those working in pre-hospital emergency medicine.

The EMT-B certification requires completion of an approved program and passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. An approved program typically consists of a combination of classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experience. The length of the program varies depending on the state or institution offering it, but generally takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete.

To get certified as an EMT-B, you must first complete an approved EMT-B training program. After completing the training program, you must then pass the NREMT exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued your EMT-B certification card which will be valid for two years from date of issue.

The cost of getting certified as an EMT-B can vary depending on the institution offering the training program and any additional fees associated with taking the NREMT exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to become certified as an EMT-B.

Do You Really Need a Hospital Pharmacist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s career goals and ambitions. A hospital pharmacist certificate is not a necessary requirement for all pharmacists, but it can be beneficial for those who wish to specialize in hospital pharmacy practice. This certificate provides additional education and training in the field of hospital pharmacy, which can help pharmacists gain the knowledge and skills they need to work effectively in a hospital setting.

For those who are interested in pursuing a career as a hospital pharmacist, obtaining a certificate may be beneficial. It can provide pharmacists with an edge when seeking employment, as employers may prefer candidates with specialized training in this field. Additionally, many states require certification for certain positions within hospitals or health systems. A certificate can also provide pharmacists with more opportunities to advance their careers, as it demonstrates a level of expertise and commitment to the profession.

Hospital pharmacists play an important role in patient care by providing medications and advice on how to use them safely and effectively. With the proper training and education, they can become knowledgeable experts who understand the complexities of medication management within a hospital setting. A certificate provides pharmacists with additional knowledge about drug interactions, therapeutic drug monitoring, and other aspects of pharmacy practice that are essential for optimal patient outcomes.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a hospital pharmacist certificate depends on your individual career goals and ambitions. While it is not required for all pharmacists, it can be beneficial if you are looking to specialize in this type of pharmacy practice or work within certain health systems or hospitals that require certification for certain positions.

Related: Hospital Pharmacist Resume Examples

FAQs About Hospital Pharmacist Certifications

1. What is a Hospital Pharmacist Certification?

Answer: A hospital pharmacist certification is a professional credential awarded to pharmacists who have completed additional training and passed an exam in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to providing pharmacy services in a hospital setting.

2. How do I get certified as a Hospital Pharmacist?

Answer: The process for becoming certified as a hospital pharmacist typically involves completing additional coursework, passing an exam, and obtaining an endorsement from a state board of pharmacy or other recognized certifying body.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a hospital pharmacist can provide numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition among peers in the field of pharmacy.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified will vary depending on individual circumstances, such as experience level and the type of certification chosen. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all requirements for certification.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require pharmacists to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status.