Pathways to Becoming a Psychiatric Pharmacist: Requirements and Certification

Dr. Davies was an MD with a specialization in psychoarmacology and a PhD in pharmacology, conducting research at Johns Hopkins for several years. His work focused on the cultural impact on the effectiveness of psychiatric medications. For instance, how certain medications might be more effective for individuals with a British cultural background compared to those with an Eastern European background. However, it's worth noting that he did not prescribe medication and instead was researching those nuances.

Board Certification for Psychiatric Pharmacists

There is a board-certification for psychiatric pharmacists, which is essential for professionals seeking to specialize in this niche area of practice. To obtain this certification, one must meet one of the three predefined paths:

1. Practice Experience

Accumulating at least four years of practice experience in psychiatric pharmacy within the last seven years, with at least 50 percent of that time spent in practice areas defined by the exam content outline.

2. PGY1 Residency Followed by Practice Experience

First, completing a one-year PGY1 pharmacy residency within the last seven years, followed by at least two years of practice experience in psychiatric pharmacy, with at least 50 percent of that time spent in practice areas defined by the exam content outline.

3. PGY2 Residency in Psychiatric Pharmacy

Completing a two-year PGY2 residency in psychiatric pharmacy within the last seven years.

The preferred pathway is to complete a PGY2 post-graduate year 2 residency in this specialty, following a PGY1 general clinical residency as a prerequisite.

Relevant Residency Programs

A list of programs offering a PGY2 residency in this specialty is as follows:

Program A Program B Program C

It is crucial to complete a doctor of pharmacy program before entering any residency.

Employment Opportunities

After completing these necessary steps, one can seek a position with a psychiatric facility or secure a pharmacy residency in this field, followed by sitting for the BPS BCPP (Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties - Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist) examination based on the fulfilled prerequisites.

Pathway Requirements Timeframe Practice Experience 4 years of practice experience (50% in defined scope) Within the last 7 years PGY1 Residency Followed by Practice 1 year PGY1 residency, 2 years practice experience (50% in defined scope) Within the last 7 years PGY2 Residency in Psychiatric Pharmacy 2 years of residency Within the last 7 years

While we may not come across such positions in the U.S. on a daily basis, they do exist, often on a part-time basis. My daughter works on a 'prn' (as needed) basis at one in Boston.