What does a Nuclear Pharmacist do?
Published 3 min read
A nuclear pharmacist is responsible for the preparation and dispensing of radioactive drugs used in nuclear medicine. They work closely with nuclear medicine physicians to ensure that patients receive the correct dose of medication and that the radioactive drugs are used safely.
Nuclear Pharmacist job duties include:
- Compounding and dispensing radioactive pharmaceuticals
- Measuring radioactivity of compounds
- Providing guidance on the use of radioactive compounds
- Maintaining records of all compounded and dispensed products
- Ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory guidelines
- Training pharmacy staff on the handling of radioactive materials
- Collaborating with nuclear medicine physicians and other health care providers
- Counseling patients on the use of radioactive compounds
- Monitoring patients for adverse reactions to radioactive compounds
Nuclear Pharmacist Job Requirements
Nuclear pharmacists are required to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school and must be licensed to practice pharmacy in the state where they work. Some states may require additional certification in nuclear pharmacy. Most nuclear pharmacists complete a 1-2 year residency program in nuclear pharmacy after completing their Pharm.D. Nuclear pharmacists must also be registered with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as authorized users of radioactive materials.
Nuclear Pharmacist Skills
- Nuclear pharmacy
- Radiopharmacy
- Radioactivity
- Radiochemistry
- Nuclear medicine
- Pharmacology
- Medicine
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
Related: Top Nuclear Pharmacist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Nuclear Pharmacist
A nuclear pharmacist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the safe and effective use of radioactive materials for diagnosis and therapy. Nuclear pharmacists work closely with nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care.
To become a nuclear pharmacist, one must first complete a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BSPharm) degree from an accredited pharmacy school. Upon graduation, pharmacists must then pass the national licensure examination, the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), and obtain a state license to practice pharmacy. After completing these steps, pharmacists may then apply to complete a two-year residency program in nuclear pharmacy.
During their residency, pharmacists will gain experience in the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals, quality control procedures, radiation safety protocols, and patient counseling. Upon completion of their residency, pharmacists will be eligible to take the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) Nuclear Pharmacy Certification Examination. Passing this exam will allow pharmacists to use the “BCNP” credential after their name and signify that they are experts in nuclear pharmacy practice.
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