BCCP (BPS) - Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist

The Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist (BCCP) credential is a professional certification offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) for pharmacists specializing in cardiovascular care. This certification recognizes a pharmacist's expertise in managing complex medication regimens for patients with cardiovascular conditions and collaborating with healthcare teams to optimize cardiovascular therapy.

Completion Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Cost: $600. Candidates who failed a certification exam in the past 12 months may retake it for $300.

Exam Format

The BCCP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (25 unscored) that assess the pharmacist's knowledge and skills in cardiology pharmacy practice.

Topics include cardiovascular disease management, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, and medication-related complications.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A valid pharmacist license.

• Completion of a PGY1 pharmacy residency program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or equivalent experience.

• A minimum of four years of post-licensure pharmacy practice experience (with at least 50% of time spent in cardiology pharmacy activities) if not residency-trained.

Certification Process

Submit an application to BPS for eligibility assessment.

Successfully pass the BCCP examination.

BCCP certification requires renewal every 7 years.

Renewal involves completing professional development activities, such as continuing education credits in cardiology pharmacy.

Continuing education is crucial for maintaining certification and staying current with the latest advancements in cardiology pharmacy.

This may include attending cardiology conferences, participating in workshops, and engaging in online courses and clinical research.

For specific information regarding Board Certification in Cardiology Pharmacy, including detailed requirements, examination schedules, and maintenance of certification, it is recommended to consult directly with the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). The BPS website offers comprehensive resources and guidance for pharmacists pursuing and maintaining certification in various pharmacy specialties, including cardiology.

Career Opportunities

BCCP-certified pharmacists work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care centers.

They play a key role in managing cardiovascular diseases, optimizing medication therapy, participating in research, and educating healthcare professionals and patients.

The BPS also offers the following certifications:

• Board Certification in Ambulatory Care (BCACP)

• Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (BCCCP)

• Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (BCEMP)

• Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacists (BCGP)

• Board Certified Infectious Diseases Pharmacist (BCIDP)

• Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)

• Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

• Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

• Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPP)

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)

• Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (BCSCP)

• Board Certified Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacist (BCTXP)