Top 10 Oncology Pharmacist Certifications

Certifications are extremely important for an oncology pharmacist in the job market. They demonstrate a strong level of knowledge and skill in the field, which is essential for providing quality patient care. Having certifications also shows employers that the individual has taken the time to stay up-to-date on best practices and standards in oncology pharmacy, which can give them an advantage over other applicants who may not have such credentials. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education and training, which can be attractive to employers looking for qualified professionals.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Oncology Pharmacists, and how they can help to further an oncology pharmacist's career.

What are Oncology Pharmacist Certifications?

Oncology pharmacist certification is a voluntary process that recognizes pharmacists who have demonstrated expertise in oncology pharmacy practice. Oncology pharmacists are responsible for providing specialized medication-related care to patients with cancer and other hematologic disorders. They play a critical role in the safe and effective management of these diseases by providing medication therapy management, patient education, and drug information services.

By becoming certified as an oncology pharmacist, professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality care to their patients. Certification also serves as an important credential for pharmacists seeking employment in oncology practice settings or clinical research studies. Earning this certification can help pharmacists secure positions in highly competitive health care facilities, as well as increase their professional value and recognition within the field of oncology pharmacy.

The Oncology Pharmacy Certification Board (OPCB) administers the Oncology Pharmacist Certification Program (OPCP). This program requires individuals to meet certain criteria, such as having at least two years of experience practicing in an oncology setting, completing 30 hours of continuing education related to oncology pharmacy practice, and passing a comprehensive exam. The OPCB also offers recertification every five years to ensure that certified practitioners remain up-to-date with current knowledge and practice standards related to oncology pharmacy.

Overall, obtaining certification from the OPCB provides individuals with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their knowledge of oncological medication therapies, become more marketable in the job market, and provide superior patient care services.

Pro Tip: It is important to stay up to date on the latest developments in oncology pharmacy practice. To do this, consider taking an oncology pharmacist certification course. This will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care for your patients.

Related: What does an Oncology Pharmacist do?

Top 10 Oncology Pharmacist Certifications

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

1. Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

A Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) is a pharmacist who has specialized in the field of oncology, which is the study and treatment of cancer. BCOPs are experts in the use of medications for cancer patients, including chemotherapy and other types of drug therapy. They also provide patient education and counseling about medication use, side effects, and other aspects of cancer care.

It takes approximately five years to become a BCOP. To qualify, you must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school, be licensed as a pharmacist in at least one state or jurisdiction, have completed two years of post-graduate practice experience in oncology pharmacy, and pass a certification examination administered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS).

To get certified as a BCOP, you must first apply to take the certification exam through BPS. The application process includes submitting proof that you meet all eligibility requirements. Once your application is approved, you will receive information about registering for the exam and paying any applicable fees. The cost for taking the exam varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

After passing the exam, you will receive your official BCOP certification from BPS. This certification must be renewed every five years by completing continuing education credits related to oncology pharmacy practice.

2. Certified Oncology Hematology Pharmacist (COHP)

A Certified Oncology Hematology Pharmacist (COHP) is a specialized pharmacist who has completed additional training and education in the field of oncology and hematology. This certification is designed to ensure that pharmacists have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care for patients with cancer or blood disorders.

The COHP certification program is offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). To become certified, applicants must have an active pharmacy license, a minimum of two years of practice experience as a pharmacist, and at least 1,000 hours of practice experience in oncology/hematology within the last three years. Applicants must also pass a written examination administered by BPS.

The cost to apply for the COHP certification program is $400 for members of BPS and $500 for non-members. The exam fee is an additional $250. It usually takes between four to six weeks to receive results from the exam.

3. Advanced Oncology Certified Pharmacist (AOCP)

Advanced Oncology Certified Pharmacist (AOCP) is a credential offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) to pharmacists who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in oncology. It is designed to recognize pharmacists who have achieved a high level of expertise in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based care for patients with cancer.

The AOCP credential requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of oncology through a combination of education and experience. Applicants must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college or university and must have completed at least two years of full-time practice experience in oncology pharmacy within the past five years. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by BPS.

It typically takes around six months to one year to complete the application process for the AOCP credential. The application fee is $450 for BPS members and $550 for non-members.

4. Advanced Oncology Hematology Pharmacist (AOHP)

Advanced Oncology Hematology Pharmacist (AOHP) is a certification program for pharmacists who wish to specialize in the field of oncology and hematology. This certification is offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). The program requires pharmacists to have at least two years of experience in a clinical setting, such as an oncology or hematology practice, and demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the specialized field.

The AOHP certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. The first step is to submit an application to BPS, which includes a fee of $400. Once accepted, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as chemotherapy administration, side effects management, drug interactions, and patient education. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their AOHP certificate.

The cost of the AOHP certification varies depending on the applicant's experience level and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $400 for the application fee to several thousand dollars for study materials and exam fees.

5. Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Specialty Certification (COPS)

Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Specialty Certification (COPS) is a certification program offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). It is designed to recognize pharmacists who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the practice of oncology pharmacy. The certification requires pharmacists to demonstrate their proficiency in providing comprehensive pharmaceutical care for patients with cancer or other hematologic malignancies.

The COPS certification process takes approximately one year to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; medication safety; drug information; chemotherapy administration and monitoring; supportive care management; oncology-specific patient assessment and monitoring; and professional development.

In order to be eligible for the COPS exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements including having a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school of pharmacy and completing at least two years of post-graduate clinical experience in oncology pharmacy practice. Applicants must also submit a completed application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume.

The cost for the COPS exam is $1,200 USD. This fee includes the cost of the examination, access to online study materials, and registration fees.

6. Clinical Oncology and Hematology Specialty Certification (COHSC)

Clinical Oncology and Hematology Specialty Certification (COHSC) is a certification program offered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) that recognizes physicians who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of clinical oncology and hematology. This certification is designed to demonstrate a physician’s commitment to excellence in patient care and to provide assurance to the public that the physician has acquired knowledge and skills beyond those required for general medical practice.

In order to become certified, physicians must meet certain requirements, including completing an accredited fellowship in either clinical oncology or hematology, passing an examination administered by ABIM, and maintaining their certification through continuing medical education (CME). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cancer biology, diagnosis and treatment, pharmacology, pathology, radiation therapy, palliative care, epidemiology, genetics, ethics and quality improvement.

The process typically takes between two to four years depending on the individual's experience. To get started with the COHSC certification process, physicians should contact their local ABIM office or visit ABIM's website for more information.

The cost of obtaining COHSC certification varies depending on factors such as the type of fellowship program chosen and whether or not a physician has already completed an accredited fellowship program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 for all fees associated with taking the exam and obtaining certification.

7. Clinical Cancer Therapeutics Specialty Certification (CCTSC)

Clinical Cancer Therapeutics Specialty Certification (CCTSC) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of advanced practitioners in the field of cancer therapeutics. The certification is offered by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). It requires a minimum of two years of experience in clinical cancer therapeutics and/or research and completion of an approved course.

The CCTSC is a three-year certification program, with renewal every three years. To get certified, applicants must complete an online application and submit documentation verifying their qualifications. They must also take and pass an exam administered by ASCO. The exam consists of multiple choice questions related to clinical cancer therapeutics, including pharmacology, treatment options, diagnostics, new treatments, and patient management.

The cost for the CCTSC exam is $400 for members of ASCO or $500 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with the application process.

8. Pharmacotherapy in Oncology Specialty Certification (POSC)

Pharmacotherapy in Oncology Specialty Certification (POSC) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of pharmacotherapy for cancer care. The certification requires successful completion of an exam, which covers topics such as cancer biology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug selection and monitoring, and clinical decision-making.

The POSC exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. The cost to take the exam is $395 for ASCO members or $495 for non-members. To be eligible to take the POSC exam, applicants must hold a current unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in the United States or Canada and have at least two years of oncology-related experience within the last five years.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every three years. The cost of recertification is $125 for ASCO members or $175 for non-members.

9. Pediatric Oncology Specialty Certification (POSC-PEDS)

Pediatric Oncology Specialty Certification (POSC-PEDS) is a certification program offered by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). It is designed to recognize pediatric oncologists who have achieved a high level of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer. The POSC-PEDS certification is valid for five years, after which a recertification exam must be taken to maintain the certification.

To become certified, applicants must have completed an approved fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology, have been board-certified in pediatrics for at least two years, and have passed the POSC-PEDS examination. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and case studies related to pediatric oncology and hematology.

The cost of the POSC-PEDS examination varies depending on when it is taken; however, it typically costs around $1,000. In addition to this fee, applicants may also need to pay additional fees for study materials or other resources that can help them prepare for the exam.

Overall, obtaining POSC-PEDS certification requires significant dedication and hard work. However, becoming certified can provide recognition among peers and demonstrate expertise in pediatric oncology and hematology.

10. Advanced Practice Palliative Care Specialty Certification (APPCSC).

Advanced Practice Palliative Care Specialty Certification (APPCSC) is a credentialing program offered by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). The APPCSC is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in providing palliative care.

The APPCSC requires nurses to demonstrate their expertise in palliative care through a comprehensive exam and portfolio review. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and an oral component. The written component includes multiple-choice questions covering topics such as symptom management, communication with patients and families, ethical issues, legal issues, and end-of-life care. The oral component involves a discussion with an examiner about the nurse’s practice experiences related to palliative care.

The APPCSC can take up to 12 months to complete depending on when the application is submitted and how quickly the portfolio review process is completed. To get started, nurses must first apply for certification through ABNS’s website. After submitting the application, applicants will receive instructions on how to submit their portfolio for review. Once the portfolio has been reviewed and approved by ABNS, applicants will be eligible to sit for the exam.

The cost of obtaining APPCSC certification varies depending on whether or not you are already certified through ABNS or another nursing specialty organization. If you are already certified through ABNS or another nursing specialty organization, then you will only need to pay for the exam fee which is $250 USD plus applicable taxes. If you are not already certified through ABNS or another nursing specialty organization then you will need to pay for both the application fee ($150 USD plus applicable taxes) as well as the exam fee ($250 USD plus applicable taxes).

Do You Really Need a Oncology Pharmacist Certificate?

No, you do not need an oncology pharmacist certificate to become an oncology pharmacist. While earning a certificate in oncology pharmacy may be beneficial for some pharmacists, it is not necessary to practice as an oncology pharmacist.

To become an oncology pharmacist, you must obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college or university and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). After completing these requirements, you can then gain experience in the field by completing a residency program or by working in a hospital setting with cancer patients. Once you have obtained the necessary experience and credentials, you can apply for jobs as an oncology pharmacist.

In addition to obtaining a PharmD degree and gaining experience in the field, many employers will also look for pharmacists who have additional specialized training and knowledge related to cancer care. This is where having a certificate in oncology pharmacy may come in handy; it demonstrates that you have gone above and beyond to acquire knowledge about cancer treatments and therapies. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to providing the best care possible for your patients.

In conclusion, while having an oncology pharmacy certificate is not required to become an oncology pharmacist, it may be beneficial for some pharmacists who are looking to increase their knowledge of cancer treatments and therapies and demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent care.

Related: Oncology Pharmacist Resume Examples

FAQs About Oncology Pharmacist Certifications

1. What are the requirements for Oncology Pharmacist certification?

Answer: To become an Oncology Pharmacist, you must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and at least two years of experience in oncology pharmacy practice. You also need to pass the Board of Pharmacy Specialties Oncology Certification Exam.

2. How long is Oncology Pharmacist certification valid?

Answer: The Oncology Pharmacist certification is valid for 5 years and can be renewed with continuing education credits.

3. What type of continuing education credits do I need to renew my Oncology Pharmacist certification?

Answer: You will need to complete 40 hours of continuing education credits every 5 years in order to renew your Oncology Pharmacist certification. These credits must be related to oncology pharmacy and approved by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS).

4. How much does it cost to obtain and renew an Oncology Pharmacist certification?

Answer: The cost varies depending on several factors, but typically ranges from $400-$600 for obtaining the certification and $200-$300 for renewal every 5 years.

5. Does having an Oncology Pharmacist certification guarantee job placement or advancement opportunities?

Answer: While having an Oncology Pharmacist certification may improve your chances of getting a job or advancing within your current role, it does not guarantee either one. It is ultimately up to employers whether they want to hire you or promote you based on your qualifications and experience.