How to become a geriatric pharmacist

How to become a Geriatric Pharmacist

To become a geriatric pharmacist, you must first become a licensed pharmacist and then pursue additional training or certification in geriatric care. Here are the typical steps:

Complete Prerequisite Education
Finish high school with strong grades in science and math. Take pre-pharmacy courses at a college or university – subjects commonly include biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, and mathematics. The number of credits of transferable postsecondary coursework, specific prerequisite courses, and the minimum overall average on credits may vary from program to program.

Earn a Pharmacy Degree
Enroll in an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, which typically takes four years to complete. In some countries (like the UK, Australia, or parts of Europe), this may be a Bachelor or Master of Pharmacy (BPharm or MPharm).

The PharmD curriculum covers pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, therapeutics, patient care, and pharmacy law.

Gain Clinical Experience
In addition to classroom instruction, PharmD programs have a clinical/practical component, during which students complete internships or clinical placements/rotations. Aspiring geriatric pharmacists should seek hands-on experience in settings that serve elderly population, such as term care, hospitals, or community pharmacies.

Pass Licensing Exams
In most countries, you must pass national or regional licensing exams.

• US – Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) and a state-specific law exam (often the MPJE – Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination).
• Canada – Pass the PEBC (Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada) exams.
• UK – Complete a pre-registration training year and pass the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) registration assessment.

Register with the Appropriate Regulatory Body
Apply for licensure or registration with the national or regional pharmacy board in your country or state/province.

Complete a Residency (Optional but Recommended)
Consider completing a Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) pharmacy residency followed by a PGY2 residency in geriatrics or a related field, which provides focused clinical training.

Pursue Optional Certifications
Geriatric pharmacists can enhance their skills and expand their scope of practice through certifications in a variety of domains:

• Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP) – This is the primary credential that formally recognizes advanced knowledge in geriatric pharmacotherapy. It is awarded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) and is highly regarded in the field.
• Other BPS Certifications – Besides the primary Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist credential, BPS also administers certifications in these specialties: Ambulatory Care Pharmacy, Cardiology, Compound Sterile Preparations Pharmacy, Critical Care Pharmacy, Emergency Medicine Pharmacy, Infectious Disease Pharmacy, Nuclear Pharmacy, Nutrition Support Pharmacy, Oncology Pharmacy, Pain Management Pharmacy, Pediatric Pharmacy, Pharmacotherapy, Psychiatric Pharmacy, Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy.
• Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM) – While not pharmacy-specific, this certification, offered by the International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC), focuses on coordinating care for older adults and can complement a pharmacist’s role in multidisciplinary teams.
• Certified Medication Safety Professional (CMSP) – The Medication Safety Training Program, accredited by the American Institute for Medical Sciences and Management (AIMSM), is a specialized course concentrating on improving medication safety and reducing medication errors.
• Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Certification – MTM training focuses on optimizing medication use and improving patient outcomes through comprehensive medication reviews. In the US it is primarily offered through the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and specific programs accredited by them. Additionally, individual pharmacists or other healthcare professionals may obtain MTM certification through various professional organizations and institutions.
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) – This certification, administered by the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education, equips pharmacists to help patients manage their condition effectively.
• Immunization Certification – Various government boards and pharma schools offer immunization administration training, certifying pharmacists to administer vaccines like flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and travel immunizations.
• Palliative Care Certifications – These certifications, offered by various bodies including the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) and the National Alliance for Care at Home, are valuable for pharmacists working with elderly patients in hospice of end-of-life care.

In general, earning these credentials requires additional coursework, training, and passing exams.

Continuing Education
Continuous professional development (CPD) is often required to maintain licensure and stay up to date with medical advancements.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also help geriatric pharmacists stay updated on best practices, influence healthcare policy, and connect with peers:

• Gerontological Society of America (GSA) – Although multidisciplinary, GSA includes pharmacists among its members and offers valuable gerontology research and networking.
• American Pharmacists Association (APhA) – This is the largest association of pharmacists in the US, offering resources and training programs. Among its special interest groups are some focused on geriatrics and senior care.
• Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) – This association represents pharmacists across Canada and provides professional development and policy support.
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) – This is the professional body for pharmacists in Great Britain, supporting all areas of pharmacy practice.
• International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) – This is a global organization that supports pharmacists worldwide.