I used to be intimidated at the thought of committing to career advancement. I felt overwhelmed by the options available. I didn’t know where to start, what interested me or where I should direct my time and energy. I was afraid of the potential time commitment and navigating the application processes.
I took my first steps into career advancement by signing up to obtain additional state pharmacist licenses. The process was easier and smoother than I had expected it to be. I thought it would be difficult to study and prepare while working full time and taking care of family commitments. I carved out time to study around our family commitments in the late evening, early morning and even during my kid’s activities (ALL the sports practices!).
There are so many options to consider! There are certificate programs, board specialties, licenses, and other educational opportunities. Any pharmacist can find their niche for career advancement. I recommend making sure any certification or specialization is being offered through a reputable organization. ASHP and APhA offer certificate programs. There are websites dedicated to the board specialties. Other educational opportunities may be found through online colleges or local colleges. I have included links below.
Certification Programs to consider:
Pain Management
Pediatrics
Diabetes Management
Medication Reconciliation
Pharmacy Revenue Cycle Management
Pharmacokinetics
Medication Safety
Emergency Medicine
Nutrition Support
Sterile Compounding
Sterile Product Preparation Institutional Training
Informatics
Pharmacogenomics
Teaching
Veterinary Medicine
Apexus Advanced 340B Operations
Anticoagulation
Crisis and Pandemic Management
Well-being and Resilience
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Board Specialties to consider:
Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
Cardiology Pharmacy
Compounded Sterile Preparations Pharmacy
Critical Care Pharmacy
Geriatric Pharmacy
Infectious Diseases Pharmacy
Nuclear Pharmacy
Nutrition Support Pharmacy
Oncology Pharmacy
Pediatric Pharmacy
Pharmacotherapy
Psychiatric Pharmacy
Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacy
Specialty Pharmacy
Niche Opportunities:
Bioidentical Hormones
Immunizations
Weight Management
Smoking Cessation
Healthy Seniors Programs
Other Opportunities:
Pharmacy Leadership Academy
Lean Six Sigma
Leadership and Management Courses through online colleges or local colleges
Look for your dream job online, then review that position’s list of required and preferred qualifications, skills, abilities and requirements. This can be a great starting place to find out what you need to do to get where you want to be.
Lastly, I don’t want to downplay the power of networking. It can be VITAL, especially if you wish to find a position at a new company or in a different industry.