Top 11 Staff Pharmacist Certifications

Certifications are important for staff pharmacists in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. Certifications provide assurance to potential employers that the pharmacist has been properly trained and is qualified to perform their job duties. Additionally, certifications can help pharmacists stand out from other applicants and give them an edge in the job market. They can also help pharmacists advance their careers by opening up opportunities for higher-level positions or specialized roles.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Staff Pharmacists and provides an overview of how they can help to advance a pharmacist's career.

What are Staff Pharmacist Certifications?

Staff pharmacist certification is a voluntary program that recognizes pharmacists who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the delivery of pharmaceutical care. This certification is designed to provide pharmacy staff with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in patient care. By obtaining staff pharmacist certification, pharmacists can demonstrate their dedication to providing quality patient care and help ensure that they are providing safe and effective medication therapy.

The staff pharmacist certification program focuses on five core competencies: communication, patient assessment, medication management, practice management, and professional development. The program includes an assessment exam which tests the pharmacists’ knowledge in these areas. Upon successful completion of the exam, pharmacists will receive a certificate of completion indicating that they have met the necessary requirements for the certification program.

Having this certification helps staff pharmacists stand out from other applicants when seeking employment or promotion opportunities within a pharmacy or other healthcare setting. It also helps employers identify qualified and knowledgeable pharmacists who are committed to quality patient care. Additionally, it serves as evidence of ongoing professional development and provides an incentive for staff pharmacists to stay up-to-date on new developments in pharmaceutical care practices. Ultimately, having staff pharmacist certification gives patients peace of mind knowing that their medications are being managed by a competent and highly-qualified pharmacist who is dedicated to providing safe and effective medication therapy.

Pro Tip: All staff pharmacists should complete a formal certification program to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest industry standards and regulations. Certification can also help staff pharmacists expand their knowledge base and stay current with new developments in the field.

Related: What does a Staff Pharmacist do?

Top 11 Staff Pharmacist Certifications

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

1. Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP)

A Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) is a professional who specializes in the care of elderly patients. The CGP credential is offered by the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP). It is a voluntary certification that recognizes pharmacists who have achieved advanced knowledge and expertise in geriatrics.

To become certified, pharmacists must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having an active pharmacist license and at least two years of experience in geriatric pharmacy practice. They must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by CCGP. The exam covers topics such as drug therapy management, medication safety, and patient assessment.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, pharmacists must submit their application materials to CCGP and take the exam. After passing the exam, they will receive their CGP certification from CCGP.

The cost of becoming a CGP varies depending on the state or jurisdiction where you are applying for certification. Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$500 to apply for certification and take the exam.

2. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP)

Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) is a certification that recognizes pharmacists who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in the practice of ambulatory care pharmacy. Ambulatory care pharmacy is a specialized field of pharmacy practice that focuses on providing patient-centered care to individuals in an outpatient setting, such as a physician’s office or clinic.

To become Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacists, pharmacists must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination administered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). The eligibility requirements include being a licensed pharmacist in the United States or its territories, having at least two years of experience practicing ambulatory care pharmacy, and completing at least 1,500 hours of direct patient care activities within the last three years.

The BCACP exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, medication management, disease state management, health promotion/disease prevention, communication/collaboration with other healthcare providers, and professional development. The exam also includes a practical component which requires applicants to complete 10 case studies related to ambulatory care pharmacy practice.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the BCACP exam. During this time, applicants should review study materials provided by BPS and participate in study groups or courses offered by various organizations.

The cost for taking the BCACP exam varies depending on when you register for it but generally ranges from $600-$700. This fee includes access to online study materials and resources as well as registration for the exam itself.

3. Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)

A Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP) is a highly specialized pharmacist who has expertise in the safe and effective use of radioactive drugs. These professionals are responsible for preparing, dispensing, and monitoring the use of radioactive drugs in medical treatments such as cancer therapy and diagnostic imaging. BCNPs must also ensure that all radiation safety protocols are followed.

It typically takes two to three years to become a Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist. The first step is to complete an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program. After graduating from pharmacy school, applicants must complete at least two years of post-graduate training in nuclear pharmacy or nuclear medicine technology before they can become board certified.

In order to become board certified, applicants must pass the Nuclear Pharmacy Specialty Certification Examination administered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). This exam includes questions on topics such as radiation safety, radiopharmaceuticals, quality assurance/quality control, and regulations related to nuclear pharmacy practice.

The cost for taking the Nuclear Pharmacy Specialty Certification Examination varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, fees range from $600-$900 USD depending on whether you are taking it for initial certification or recertification purposes.

4. Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

A Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP) is a pharmacist who has completed additional training and certification to specialize in nutrition support therapy. The BCNSP credential is awarded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) after demonstrating advanced knowledge in the field of nutrition support.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for BCNSP certification, which includes completing at least 1,500 hours of practice experience in nutrition support pharmacy services. This experience must be supervised by a qualified preceptor and documented on an approved form. In addition, candidates must pass a written exam administered by BPS.

To become certified as a BCNSP, candidates must first become licensed pharmacists in their state and then submit an application to BPS along with documentation of their practice experience and proof of passing the written exam. The application fee is $400 for members of BPS and $600 for non-members.

Once certified, BCNSPs are required to renew their credentials every five years by submitting documentation that they have met continuing education requirements established by BPS. Renewal fees are $200 for members and $300 for non-members.

5. Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

A Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) is a pharmacist who has achieved certification in oncology pharmacy, which is the practice of providing specialized care to patients with cancer. This certification demonstrates expertise in the field of oncology pharmacy and recognizes the pharmacist’s commitment to providing quality care to cancer patients.

To become a BCOP, pharmacists must meet eligibility requirements, including having a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school, completing two years of post-graduate residency training or equivalent experience in oncology pharmacy, and passing an examination administered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). The BPS also requires that pharmacists complete at least 45 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their BCOP certification.

The cost for taking the BCOP exam varies depending on whether you are a BPS member or non-member. For members, the cost is $500; for non-members, it is $750. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application and registering for the exam.

Overall, it typically takes about six months to complete all the requirements for becoming a Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP).

6. Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP)

A Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) is a pharmacist who has completed additional training and education in the area of psychiatric pharmacy. This certification is awarded by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). To become certified, a pharmacist must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college or university, be licensed to practice pharmacy in the United States, and have completed two years of post-graduate residency or fellowship training in psychiatric pharmacy.

The BCPP certification process typically takes about six months to complete. The first step is to submit an application for certification through the BPS website. The application includes information about the applicant’s educational background, professional experience, and any other relevant qualifications. Once the application is approved by the BPS, the applicant must take and pass an examination that covers topics such as pharmacology, psychopharmacology, clinical management of mental health disorders, drug interactions, and patient counseling.

The cost of becoming certified as a BCPP depends on several factors including whether or not you are already a member of BPS and if you need to take preparatory courses prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 for non-members and $400-$800 for members to become certified.

7. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider (ACLS) is a certification program offered by the American Heart Association (AHA). It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies. The ACLS certification program includes both an initial course and a renewal course.

The initial ACLS course typically takes two days to complete and consists of lectures, simulated clinical scenarios, and video presentations. During the course, participants learn how to recognize signs of cardiac arrest, how to perform CPR and other advanced life support interventions such as defibrillation, endotracheal intubation, intravenous drug administration, and airway management. Participants must pass a written exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

To become certified in ACLS, you must attend an AHA-approved training center or online provider. There are numerous providers that offer courses throughout the United States and some international locations. The cost of an ACLS certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400.

8. Basic Life Support Provider (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider is a certification that enables individuals to provide basic life-saving skills in emergency situations. BLS is typically the first level of medical care provided to an individual who is in need of immediate medical attention. It includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED), airway management, and other related skills.

It usually takes about 4-8 hours to complete a BLS course, depending on the provider. The cost of the course varies by location and provider, but typically ranges from $50-$100.

To get certified as a BLS Provider, you must take a course from an accredited provider or organization such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. You will then be required to pass both a written and practical exam in order to receive your certification.

9. Immunization Certification

Immunization Certification is a document that verifies that an individual has been immunized against certain diseases. It is often required for entry into school, daycare, or other places of public gathering. Immunization Certificates are typically issued by a healthcare provider after the patient has received all the necessary vaccinations. The certificate should include the date of each vaccination and the type of vaccine given.

How long does it take to get an Immunization Certificate?

It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to receive an Immunization Certificate after receiving all necessary vaccines.

How to get an Immunization Certificate?

To obtain an Immunization Certificate, contact your healthcare provider or local health department and make sure you have received all the required vaccinations for your age and occupation. You may be asked to provide proof of vaccination, such as a copy of your immunization record from your doctor’s office or a copy of your immunization card from the health department. Once you have provided this information, you will receive an Immunization Certificate in the mail within 2-3 weeks.

How much does an Immunization Certificate cost?

The cost of obtaining an Immunization Certificate varies depending on where you live and what type of vaccine you need. Generally speaking, most vaccines are free or low-cost through public health clinics and some insurance plans cover them as well.

10. Medication Therapy Management Certification

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Certification is a professional certification program that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of medication therapy management. It is designed to recognize pharmacists who have demonstrated the necessary skills and competencies to provide comprehensive medication management services to patients.

The certification process typically takes three to six months, depending on the individual's experience level and commitment to completing the requirements. The first step is to complete an application form and submit it with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a series of courses and pass an exam administered by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

The cost of MTM Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. For example, ASHP offers two levels of certification – Certified Medication Therapy Manager (CMTM) and Advanced Certified Medication Therapy Manager (ACMTM). The CMTM certification costs $400 for members and $600 for non-members. The ACMTM certification costs $500 for members and $700 for non-members.

In addition to these fees, applicants may also be required to pay additional fees for course materials or other related expenses. It is important to note that MTM Certification is not required in all states; however, many employers prefer certified MTM professionals due to their increased knowledge base and expertise in providing comprehensive medication management services.

11. Controlled Substance Registration Certificate

A Controlled Substance Registration Certificate (CSRC) is a registration issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that allows an individual or entity to handle controlled substances in the United States. It is required for anyone who manufactures, distributes, dispenses, imports, exports, or conducts research with certain drugs and chemicals.

The process of obtaining a CSRC typically takes up to 60 days from the date of submission of the application. To obtain a CSRC, applicants must submit an application form along with all required documents and fees to the DEA's Diversion Control Division. The application must include information such as name and address of the applicant, type of business being conducted, and details about any controlled substances that will be handled.

The cost of obtaining a CSRC varies depending on the type of registration sought. For example, a basic registration costs $731 while a manufacturing registration costs $3,040. Additional fees may also apply depending on the type of business being conducted.

Once approved by the DEA, a CSRC is valid for three years and can be renewed upon expiration.

Do You Really Need a Staff Pharmacist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a staff pharmacist certificate may be necessary in order to pursue certain career paths or gain certain qualifications in the field. For others, it may not be as essential.

For those looking to become a licensed pharmacist, a staff pharmacist certificate is usually required. This certificate is typically obtained through a program at an accredited college of pharmacy and provides evidence that the student has achieved the necessary educational requirements for licensure as a pharmacist. A staff pharmacist certificate also allows pharmacists to take advantage of additional job opportunities and higher salaries in certain areas.

Those not seeking licensure may still find benefit from obtaining a staff pharmacist certificate. This certification can help demonstrate knowledge and experience in areas such as medication safety, drug interactions, and patient counseling, which are important skills for many positions within the pharmacy field. Additionally, having this certification may provide an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs within the industry.

In summary, whether or not you need a staff pharmacist certificate depends on your individual goals and aspirations within the pharmacy field. If you are looking to become licensed or want to demonstrate your knowledge and experience within certain areas of pharmacy practice, then obtaining a staff pharmacist certificate may be beneficial for you.

Related: Staff Pharmacist Resume Examples

FAQs About Staff Pharmacist Certifications

1. What is a Staff Pharmacist Certification?

Answer: A Staff Pharmacist Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in providing pharmaceutical care to patients. It is typically awarded by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) after successful completion of an exam.

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

Answer: To become eligible for a Staff Pharmacist Certification, you must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and have completed at least two years of post-graduate pharmacy practice experience in a hospital setting.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Staff Pharmacist Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Staff Pharmacist Certification can demonstrate your commitment to excellence and provide you with additional career opportunities such as increased pay, promotions, and job security. It can also give you greater credibility when interacting with colleagues, employers, and patients.

4. How often do I need to renew my Staff Pharmacist Certification?

Answer: Your certification must be renewed every three years in order to remain valid. You will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education activities during this period in order to qualify for renewal.

5. Are there any other requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, you must also maintain professional licensure and keep up-to-date on current standards and regulations related to pharmacy practice in order to maintain your certification status.