Additional Information
Anyone who wants to work as a nuclear pharmacist must first earn a degree
in pharmacy from an accredited college. "To become just a regular licensed
pharmacist requires about six years of college education," says nuclear pharmacist
Tim Younkin.
Most pharmacy programs cover anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics
and molecular biochemistry. Those planning to specialize in nuclear pharmacy
also need a firm grasp of physics and calculus.
"A good understanding of organic chemistry at an undergraduate level is
a real plus for nuclear pharmacists who wish to specialize in positron emission
topography (PET)," says nuclear pharmacist John Yuen.
After earning a degree and designation as a pharmaceutical doctor, a would-be
nuclear pharmacist must pursue graduate studies or residencies in radiopharmacy.
These combine advanced courses in physics and pharmacology with training in
radiopharmaceutical chemistry, radiation safety and regulations.
"Purdue University and the University of Arkansas both have very reputable
nuclear pharmacy programs," Yuen says.
Once hired, a nuclear pharmacist must receive employer authorization to
handle radioactive materials. This typically requires at least 200 hours of
classroom training and at least 500 hours of supervised, hands-on experience.
The American Pharmaceutical Association (AphA) Board of Pharmaceutical
Specialties offers certification for nuclear pharmacists.
"If you want to become a board-certified nuclear pharmacist [BCNP], you
just have to take the test every seven years or maintain your continuing education
in nuclear pharmacy," says Younkin. "Very often, your employer will pay all
costs to get you certified."
The BCNP designation "is not a requirement to work as a nuclear pharmacist,"
says Yuen, but it does grant its holders certain privileges.
"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission recognizes the BCNP as a professional
who has the expertise to compound radiopharmaceuticals outside the guidelines
and recommendations set forth by drug manufacturers in package inserts," he
says.