Are you interested in becoming a Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BOCP)? Oncology Pharmacy provides evidence-based, patient-centered drug therapy administration and direct patient care for people with cancer. Becoming a BOCP requires certification from the Pharmacy Specialty Board, and there are currently more than 3,900 BPS Board Certified Oncology Pharmacists. The BPS Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) program is a credential for pharmacists who have met the eligibility criteria and who, in their exclusive practice, involve an increasing number and complexity of drug therapies to treat and prevent cancer, manage cancer and drug-related adverse events or clinical situations not found in other disease states. To become certified, you must meet the office eligibility requirements and complete a specialty (PGY* residency) in oncology pharmacy.
Additionally, an active and current license to practice pharmacy is required for recertification. For more information on recertification, visit the BPS Recertification Guide. You can also find a BPS Board-Certified Pharmacist on the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) website. Many oncologists may not have the resources of a multidisciplinary team, including a cancer pharmacist, to help them identify other evidence-based treatment options.
This is why becoming a board-certified cancer pharmacist is so important - it will raise the level of respect and recognition in the field of industry peers and significantly increase revenue potential. Most internship requirements include a two-year residency program in oncology pharmacy in a clinical setting approved by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, plus an additional year of practice with at least 50% of the time spent on oncology pharmacy activities. Another internship path includes completing four years of hands-on experience with at least 50% of the time spent on oncology pharmacy activities. Upon completion of the clinical internship, candidates must take and pass the oncology certification exam awarded by the Pharmacy Specialty Board. Becoming an oncology pharmacist is a long and rigorous process, but it can help save lives and make a difference in the medical landscape and the future of quality healthcare.
If you are interested in pursuing this career path, we recommend visiting the Federal Trade Commission website for more information on general privacy issues.
