BPS Plans Pharmacogenomics Job Analysis for 2024
Washington, D.C. – The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) will conduct an exploratory job analysis in 2024 to explore recognizing pharmacogenomics as a pharmacist specialty certification program. A call for job analysis panelist applications will be made in the first quarter of 2024.
“The job analysis serves as the cornerstone for making informed decisions about whether to recognize a specialty practice area and develop a certification examination. By conducting a thorough analysis, we ensure that any new specialty certification is built upon a deep understanding of the skills, knowledge, and competencies required. BPS is dedicated to upholding the integrity and value of its certifications, and the job analysis is an essential tool in achieving that goal.” said BPS Board Chair, Ruth E. Nemire, PharmD, EdD, FCCP, FNAP, CRQM.
This announcement follows receipt of a preliminary request letter from pharmacists with expertise in pharmacogenomics. Requestors stated:
“The growth trajectory of the [pharmacogenomics] PGx field validates the need for experts with specialized training in the implementation, interpretation, and application of PGx information in clinical care. As the medication experts on the healthcare team, pharmacists are uniquely positioned for this role. Our training in the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapy of medications equips us to understand the genetic basis of interindividual variation in medication response and to apply this information in the clinical care of patients. We believe that basic pharmacogenomic understanding should be part of the core competency of every pharmacist, as indicated by recent updates to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) core competencies… A PGx board certification program will allow pharmacists to demonstrate their competency in this area, further cementing the role pharmacists play as the medication experts on the healthcare team…”
The job analysis will provide necessary information for BPS to determine further efforts in support of pharmacogenomics as a pharmacist specialty certification. If the information presented by the job analysis suggests the new area should be explored as a pharmacist specialty certification program, BPS will issue a call for petition to the profession. If a pharmacogenomics petition is accepted by the BPS Board, Pharmacogenomics will be recognized as a pharmacist specialty certification program, BPS will then develop a certification examination.
About the Board of Pharmacy Specialties
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) was established in 1976 as an autonomous division of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The mission of BPS is to improve patient care by positioning BPS Board-Certified Pharmacist Specialists as integral members of interprofessional healthcare teams, through recognition and promotion of specialized training, knowledge, and skills for pharmacists in the United States and internationally. Board certification is a recognized credential for determining which pharmacists are qualified to contribute at advanced practice levels given the rigorous standards mandated by BPS board certification and recertification. BPS currently recognizes more than 58,800 active pharmacist certifications across 14 specialties.
BPS Contact
Alexander Jean-Baptiste
Senior Manager, Content Marketing & Social Media
ajeanbaptiste@aphanet.org
(202) 760-3836