Top 11 Retail Pharmacist Certifications

Certifications are important for retail pharmacists in the job market because they demonstrate a pharmacist’s knowledge and competency in their field. Employers often require certification as proof that a pharmacist has achieved a certain level of education, training, and experience. Additionally, certification can help pharmacists advance in their career by providing them with greater opportunities for promotion or higher-paying positions. Finally, many employers prefer to hire certified pharmacists due to the added assurance that they will provide safe and effective care to their customers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Retail Pharmacists and explain how they can enhance a retail pharmacist's career.

What are Retail Pharmacist Certifications?

Retail pharmacist certification is a voluntary professional certification program that recognizes pharmacists who demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and skill in the retail pharmacy setting. It is offered by a few professional organizations, including the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

The certification process typically involves passing an exam that tests pharmacists on their knowledge and understanding of medication safety, proper drug storage, patient counseling, compounding, prescription filling accuracy, inventory management and other related topics. Passing this exam demonstrates to employers that the pharmacist has met certain standards for practice in the retail pharmacy setting.

Having retail pharmacist certification can help pharmacists advance their careers by enhancing their qualifications for job interviews and promotions. Employers may view certified pharmacists as more knowledgeable and competent than those who are not certified. Certified pharmacists may also have access to continuing education opportunities or discounts on membership fees with professional organizations. Finally, it can provide recognition for pharmacists who are dedicated to providing quality care and services to their patients.

Pro Tip: When considering retail pharmacist certification, make sure to research the requirements for each state you plan to practice in. Many states require additional certifications or training courses beyond the traditional national certification exam.

Related: What does a Retail Pharmacist do?

Top 11 Retail Pharmacist Certifications

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

1. Certified Immunization Delivery

Certified Immunization Delivery (CID) is a program offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that provides training to healthcare professionals on how to administer immunizations safely and effectively. CID ensures that healthcare professionals are knowledgeable about the latest immunization practices, including proper injection techniques, vaccine storage and handling, and infection control.

It typically takes one full day to complete the CID program. During this time, participants learn about the latest immunization guidelines, review vaccine safety information, practice injection techniques, and discuss strategies for administering vaccines in different settings.

To become certified in immunization delivery, healthcare professionals must attend an approved CID course and successfully pass an exam. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider; however, some employers may cover part or all of the cost. After completing the course and passing the exam, healthcare professionals receive a certificate of completion from the CDC that is valid for three years.

In addition to attending a CID course, healthcare professionals must also meet other requirements such as being up-to-date on their own immunizations and having current CPR certification.

2. Certified Diabetes Educator

A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a health care professional who specializes in educating and supporting people with diabetes. They provide evidence-based information, guidance, and support to individuals with diabetes and their families. CDEs are certified by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE).

It takes approximately six months to become a Certified Diabetes Educator. To qualify, you must have at least two years of experience working in the field of diabetes education and pass an exam administered by the NCBDE. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as nutrition, pharmacology, exercise physiology, psychosocial aspects of diabetes management, and more.

To get started on your path to becoming a CDE, you will need to complete an application form and submit it to the NCBDE along with a fee of $375 USD. Once your application has been accepted, you will be eligible to register for the exam. You can then begin studying for the exam using study materials provided by the NCBDE or other sources.

The cost for becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator includes both the application fee and any additional fees associated with taking the exam itself. The cost may vary depending on where you take the exam; some locations may charge additional fees for proctoring services or other administrative costs.

3. Certified Geriatric Pharmacist

A Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) is a pharmacist who has completed specialized training in the care of elderly patients. The CGP credential is awarded by the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP) and requires pharmacists to demonstrate expertise in geriatric pharmacotherapy, including patient assessment, drug therapy management, and medication monitoring.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for certification. The first step is to become a licensed pharmacist. After that, applicants must complete an accredited post-graduate residency or fellowship program in geriatrics or related fields and pass the CCGP’s examination. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience working with elderly patients in a clinical setting.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with their educational transcripts and proof of residency/fellowship completion. They must also pay the applicable fees which range from $350-$500 depending on when they apply.

Once certified, pharmacists are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education activities every three years and paying an annual maintenance fee of $150.

4. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist

A Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) is a pharmacist who has received specialized training and certification in the management of medication therapy in ambulatory care settings. This includes outpatient clinics, physician offices, home health care, and other non-hospital settings. The BCACP credential is awarded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), which is an independent organization that certifies pharmacists in specialized areas of practice.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for certification as a BCACP. To become certified, applicants must have an active pharmacy license in good standing, complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of ambulatory care practice experience within five years prior to application submission, and pass a certification exam administered by BPS.

The cost for becoming board certified varies depending on the country or state where you are located. In the United States, it typically costs between $1,000-$2,000 to apply for and take the exam.

Once certified as a BCACP, pharmacists can demonstrate their expertise in managing medication therapies in ambulatory care settings and be recognized as leaders in their field.

5. Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist

Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) is a credential awarded to pharmacists who have met the educational, training and experience requirements set by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). The BCPP certification is designed to recognize pharmacists with specialized knowledge in psychiatric pharmacy practice.

It typically takes 3-5 years of post-graduate experience in psychiatric pharmacy practice to be eligible for the BCPP certification. To become certified, applicants must complete an application process that includes submitting documentation of their educational background, professional experience and other qualifications. They must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by the BPS.

The cost for the BCPP certification varies depending on whether you are applying as a first time applicant or renewing your certification. For first time applicants, the cost is $650 USD; for renewal applicants, it is $500 USD.

6. Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist

Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) is a certification offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). This certification recognizes pharmacists who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the specialty practice of oncology pharmacy. To become certified, pharmacists must complete a minimum of two years of oncology-specific clinical practice, pass a comprehensive examination, and meet other requirements.

The process to become board certified typically takes up to one year. The first step is to submit an application for certification through BPS, which includes providing documentation of oncology-specific clinical experience. After the application is approved, applicants can then register for the BCOP examination. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as cancer treatment protocols, medication safety, cancer biology and pharmacotherapy.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they must maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every two years and paying an annual maintenance fee. The cost to become board certified varies depending on the type of application submitted and other factors such as whether or not you are already a member of BPS. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $300-$1,000 to become board certified in oncology pharmacy.

7. Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist

Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP) is a certification that is awarded to pharmacists who have demonstrated expertise in the field of nutrition support. This certification is offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). To become board certified, a pharmacist must have at least two years of experience in nutrition support pharmacy practice and must pass an exam administered by BPS.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the BCNSP exam, depending on how much time and effort you put into studying. The BCNSP exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and has a four-hour time limit.

To get started on the path towards becoming board certified, you will need to complete an application with BPS. This application requires information about your education, work experience, and professional activities related to nutrition support pharmacy practice. Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of taking the BCNSP exam is $475 USD. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with preparing for and taking the exam such as registration fees or study materials costs.

8. Medication Therapy Management Certification

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes pharmacists who have demonstrated expertise in providing medication therapy management services. MTM Certification is awarded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), which is the leading organization for certifying pharmacists in specialized areas of practice.

The MTM Certification process includes passing an examination and completing a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education courses related to MTM within the past three years. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. After passing the exam, applicants must also submit evidence of completion of the required continuing education courses.

The entire process typically takes about three to six months to complete, depending on when the application is submitted and how quickly all requirements are met.

The cost for taking the MTM Certification exam is $400 for BPS members or $500 for non-members. The cost for continuing education courses varies depending on which provider you choose.

9. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification is a certification program developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies. The ACLS course covers topics such as basic life support, advanced airway management, pharmacology, rhythm recognition, and resuscitation techniques.

The ACLS certification is typically offered in two formats: an online course or a hands-on course. The online course can be completed at your own pace within a few days, while the hands-on course requires attendance at an AHA approved training center for two days of instruction. Both courses require successful completion of a written exam and skills demonstration prior to certification.

To get certified in ACLS, you must first complete either the online or hands-on course. After completing the required materials, you will need to take and pass a written exam as well as demonstrate your proficiency in performing resuscitation techniques. Once all requirements have been met, you will receive your ACLS certification card from the AHA.

The cost of obtaining an ACLS certification varies depending on which type of course you choose and where you take it. Generally speaking, the online version costs anywhere from $100-$200 USD while the hands-on version costs around $300-$400 USD.

10. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is a type of certification that is designed to teach individuals how to respond to life-threatening emergencies. It covers topics such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and other basic medical procedures. BLS certification is often required for healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

The length of time it takes to get BLS certified varies depending on the provider. Generally, it takes around 4-6 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practice in order to complete the course. The course may also include an online component which can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

In order to get certified, you must attend an approved training program and pass a written exam. Training programs are usually offered by local hospitals or community organizations such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. You can find a list of approved providers on their websites.

The cost of BLS certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$100 for the course and materials. In some cases, employers may cover all or part of the cost for their employees who need BLS certification.

11. Advanced Practice Pharmacy Technician Certification

Advanced Practice Pharmacy Technician Certification (APT) is a voluntary certification program for pharmacy technicians who have completed additional training and education beyond the basic requirements. This certification allows pharmacy technicians to perform more advanced duties, such as providing patient counseling, performing drug therapy management activities, and participating in medication reconciliation.

To obtain the APT certification, pharmacy technicians must complete an approved program of study that includes at least 30 hours of continuing education in topics such as pharmacology, patient assessment, communication skills, and medication safety. The program must be completed within two years of submitting an application for the certification. Additionally, applicants must pass a written examination administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The cost of obtaining the APT certification varies depending on the specific program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs range from $400 to $600.

Do You Really Need a Retail Pharmacist Certificate?

The short answer is yes. A retail pharmacist certificate is a requirement for those who want to work in a retail pharmacy setting and dispense medication. This certification demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide accurate and safe medication dispensing services.

Having a retail pharmacist certificate ensures that pharmacists are up-to-date on their training and knowledge of medications, drug interactions, side effects, and other important aspects of providing safe medication dispensing services. Without this certification, pharmacists may not be able to provide the best quality care for their patients.

In addition to demonstrating a level of competency in the field, having a retail pharmacist certificate also helps employers know that you are committed to staying current in your profession. It shows that you have taken the time to further your education and stay abreast of the changing regulations and laws related to medication dispensing. Employers are more likely to hire someone with an official certification than someone without one.

Finally, having a retail pharmacist certificate helps ensure that patients receive the best possible care when they visit their local pharmacy. It also helps reduce errors or mistakes when it comes to filling prescriptions or providing advice about medications. Pharmacists with certifications are held to higher standards when it comes to patient safety and quality assurance standards, which can help improve patient outcomes as well as satisfaction scores for pharmacies and health systems alike.

In summary, having a retail pharmacist certificate is essential for anyone who wants to work in this field. Not only does it demonstrate competence but it also shows employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date with regulations and laws related to medication dispensing services. Finally, having a certification helps ensure that patients get the best possible care when they visit their local pharmacy.

Related: Retail Pharmacist Resume Examples

FAQs About Retail Pharmacist Certifications

1. What is a Retail Pharmacist Certification?

Answer: A retail pharmacist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of retail pharmacy. It is typically obtained by passing an exam administered by a recognized certifying body.

2. How do I become eligible for a Retail Pharmacist Certification?

Answer: To become eligible for a retail pharmacist certification, you must typically have at least two years of experience working as a retail pharmacist and meet certain educational requirements. You will also need to pass the certification exam administered by the certifying body.

3. What are the benefits of getting certified as a Retail Pharmacist?

Answer: Benefits of becoming a certified retail pharmacist include improved job prospects and higher salaries, increased credibility within the industry, and recognition from peers and employers. Additionally, it can provide access to more advanced roles within pharmacies and other healthcare settings.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Retail Pharmacist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain your retail pharmacist certification varies depending on your experience level and the certifying body you choose to use. Generally speaking, most people can complete their certification process in three months or less if they are adequately prepared for their exam.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as a Retail Pharmacist?

Answer: Costs associated with obtaining your retail pharmacist certification vary depending on the certifying body you choose to use; however, most range from $200-$500 USD for application fees and exam fees combined.