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Best retail pharmacist certifications
Retail pharmacist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an retail pharmacist to employers. However, not all retail pharmacist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a retail pharmacist are Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialists (BCMTMS), and Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS).
Below is a list of the best retail pharmacist certifications. Obtaining an retail pharmacist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for retail pharmacists
| Rank | Retail pharmacist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | PTCB |
| 2 | Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialists (BCMTMS) | NBMTM |
| 3 | Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) | BPS |
| 4 | Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP) | SPCB |
| 5 | Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP) | BPS |
| 6 | Pharmacy Technician | NCCT |
6 best retail pharmacist certifications
1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialists (BCMTMS)
MTM Certification, or Board Certification in Medication Therapy Management, is a voluntary process intended to demonstrate expertise in a specific pharmacy specialty. The National Board of Medication Therapy Management, an independent, not-for-profit, and pharmacist-led organization, was founded to provide pharmacists with a voluntary pathway to earn a board certification credential. It is different and distinct from licensure to practice pharmacy, a function regulated by state government. Being an MTM pharmacist requires more than assessing medications for indication, effectiveness, safety, and adherence issues. It also requires patient counseling that factors in patient’s emotional state, patient’s financial state, and patient’s cultural state. Certified MTM pharmacists, or Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialists (BCMTMS™), must successfully pass the examination established by the National Board of Medication Therapy Management. The pharmacist will be granted Board Certification by the National Board of Medication Therapy Management upon passing the examination. The Certification is renewable after 5 years if active pharmacist license is maintained and the standards for recertification are met.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)
Pharmacotherapy is that area of pharmacy practice that is responsible for ensuring the safe, appropriate, and economical use of drugs in patient care. The pharmacotherapy specialist has responsibility for direct patient care, often functions as a member of a multidisciplinary team and is frequently the primary source of drug information for other healthcare professionals. Those who are granted certification in this specialty may use the designation 'Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist' and the initials 'BCPS', as long as certification is valid.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 7 year(s)
4. Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP)
By passing the CSP assessment, pharmacy professionals not only display their aptitude in each specialized task, but also present their expertise in specialty pharmacy with a CSP credential. The CSP credential is a key indicator to employers, manufacturers, patients, payers, other healthcare providers, and the public at large that a professional is an expert in specialty pharmaceuticals. CSP certified professionals are tested using a psychometrically sound examination process, utilizing an exam that has been validated with a role delineation study performed by specialty pharmacy subject matter experts (SMEs) from all Specialty Pharmacy channels.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)
Nuclear Pharmacy seeks to improve and promote the public health through the safe and effective use of radioactive drugs for diagnosis and therapy. A nuclear pharmacist, as a member of the nuclear medicine team, specializes in the procurement, compounding, quality control testing, dispensing, distribution, and monitoring of radiopharmaceuticals. In addition, the nuclear pharmacist provides consultation regarding health and safety issues, as well as the use of non-radioactive drugs and patient care. Those who are granted certification in this specialty may use the designation Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist and the initials BCNP, as long as certification is valid.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 7 year(s)
6. Pharmacy Technician
The responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians will vary for each employer, but may include (1) entering medication orders; (2) ordering and recieving stock; (3) packaging medications; (4) compounding ointments or creams; (5) auditing stock; and/or (6) assisting a pharmacist in filling or labeling. Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist, and responsibilities may differ as state laws allow.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a retail pharmacist?
The best retail pharmacist certification is Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is awarded by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this retail pharmacist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for retail pharmacists?
The most in-demand retail pharmacist certification is Certified Pharmacy Technician based on all active job postings. Having this retail pharmacist certification will give you access to more retail pharmacist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a retail pharmacist career and salary?
The Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialists certification will help you to secure a pharmacist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A pharmacist's average salary is $119,686 whereas retail pharmacists make an average salary of $118,899.
The most common combination of retail pharmacist certifications include: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialists (BCMTMS), and Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS).
Online courses for retail pharmacists to earn certifications
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