What does BCPP mean in PSYCHIATRY

A Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) is an advanced credential recognizing expertise in the safe and effective management of drug therapies used to treat mental health conditions. With this certification, pharmacists demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how these drugs work, potential side effects and interactions, as well as important patient monitoring information.

To become a BCPP, individuals must first be state-licensed pharmacists who have completed specialized residency training in psychiatry or psychopharmacology. They must then pass an exam administered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS).

Becoming a BCPP requires time for clinical training and board certification. Therefore, it typically takes between three to four years to complete all requirements and become certified.

Becoming a BCPP allows pharmacists to enhance their credentials, stand out for leadership roles or pursue independent consulting or clinical practice opportunities. Additionally, those with this degree may qualify for higher pay than non-board certified peers.

Yes. In order to maintain your certification with the BPS, you will need to earn 150 pharmacy-related continuing education credit hours within five years prior to renewal.

The 150 credit hour requirement includes 90 hours specific to pharmacotherapy related topics such as psychopharmacology, psychiatric diseases/conditions, neuroscience/biological basis of mental illness and laboratory evaluation/therapeutic drug monitoring. The remaining 60 credit hours can be earned through any topic relevant or related to pharmacy practice including ethics and patient safety topics.

Yes. In addition to completing your continuing education credits each year, you must submit an annual fee based on your current membership status with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP).

Individuals holding a BCPP credential can pursue many career paths outside the traditional hospital setting such as academics, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical companies and government service posts such as health system leadership roles in Veteran Affairs Hospitals or healthcare research positions with governmental agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Yes! All pathways require completion of general pharmacy residency requirements followed by at least one year specializing in psychiatric/psychopharmacology residency program approved by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP). Alternatively, individuals who hold specialty certifications from recognized bodies like ACCP may also qualify without completing additional residency training requirements.(END)

Q : Do I need any other certification besides my BCPP? A : Additional certifications might depend on what type of job you are interested in pursuing. For example if you are working in academia you would likely want specialized teaching certifications while those practicing independently may want additional certifications related business management or private practice protocols. There are many different organizations that offer helpful certifications so consider researching them based on individual needs.