Making a Difference

For Employers

Employers can feel secure that the knowledge base and skill levels of the certified specialists they hire have been thoroughly tested. Many organizations report preferential hiring and will cover payment of BPS exam and recertification fees. After documenting the benefits of choosing credentialed practitioners, a national managed care provider "prefers" and "encourages" specialty certification for certain clinical positions. Key federal agencies offer salary rewards, promotions, and expanded practice opportunities. For some, the BPS certification is the only credential approved for special incentives.

By definition, the BPS-certified pharmacist brings an extra measure of quality to the hiring process with demonstrated initiative and a commitment to professional excellence.

For Peers

BPS certification is a highly visible credential to colleagues. It signals an elevated level of excellence in specialty practice, often producing increased acceptance by the care team. BPS-certified pharmacists frequently serve as role models to help others become more efficient practitioners. Post certification, pharmacists also report receiving more requests for professional consultations along with invitations for continuing education and academic presentations.

For Certificants

Not every pharmacist can achieve BPS certification. Those who do cite many benefits including greater marketability, enhanced confidence, improved competence, increased responsibility, and public notice from employers. Others report a "competitive edge" in job placement and advancement.

For Patients

Improved outcomes in patient care are the primary purpose of specialization in any health care profession. The patient's personal standard is simple — "How can anyone know which pharmacists are uniquely qualified to monitor my medication plan?" With specialty-trained pharmacists as part of the collaborative care team, enhanced patient satisfaction has been documented with fewer complications in drug treatment; improved laboratory monitoring; reductions in unnecessary medications; and shorter hospital stays resulting in lower treatment costs.

As complex health care issues continue to demand a multidisciplinary approach, patients increasingly will recognize and expect the critical role of the specialty certified pharmacist in optimal drug therapy.