Pharmacists

Certification or Licensing

Pharmacists who specialize in a specific health care discipline can obtain voluntary certification. Currently the Board of Pharmacy Specialties recognizes and offers certification in many areas including geriatric pharmacy (the care of patients who are elderly), nuclear pharmacy (involving the use of radioactive drugs), nutrition support pharmacy (involving care of patients with special needs in receiving nutrition), oncology pharmacy (involving care of patients with cancer), pharmacotherapy (involving the safe, economic, and proper use of drug therapies), and psychiatric pharmacy (involving the care of those with psychiatric-related illnesses). The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists also offers board certification in a variety of specialties.

Practicing pharmacists are required to be licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Applicants for licensure must have graduated from an accredited pharmacy program, completed an internship under a licensed pharmacist, and passed their state's board examination. Pharmacy licensure is generally reciprocal between U.S. states; however, additional tests or criteria may be required to transfer licensure status.