Specialty Pharmacy Certification is an important credential that allows pharmacists to demonstrate superior knowledge of specialty pharmaceuticals. Although specialty pharmacy affects a small percentage of the population as a whole, the severity of certain illnesses and complexities of their treatments call for health care practitioners to possess advanced understanding of their subject matter. Holding a specialty pharmacy certification allows professionals greater prestige in the competitive job market, setting them apart from those who have only mastered traditional pharmaceutical study. The credential is greatly ideal these days given the progression of inflammatory diseases such as fibromyalgia, neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, blood diseases such as hemophilia and HIV, infertility and various cancers. For patients suffering with any of these conditions, there is great comfort in knowing that health care providers are knowledgeable of situation in order to help them to the greatest degrees possible.
To qualify, candidates must possess at least a BS in Pharmacy, have active pharmacy licenses in good standing, and 3,000 hours in specialty pharmacy practice in the previous 4 years. They must also have completed 30 hours of specialty pharmacy continuing education in the past 2 years and pass the CSP examination. The specialty pharmacy certification is valid for 2 years, and must be renewed every two years thereafter. In order to renew, pharmacists licenses must remain active and in good standing. They must also complete individualized learning path questionnaires, which outline their activities. Further, they are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education and attest to comply with the SPCB’s code of conduct, reporting any felony history or provincial or state board suspensions.
