by Nic Mastascusa, PharmD, RPh, BCNP
2024 Vice Chair, Nuclear Pharmacy Specialty Council
During my second year in pharmacy school, I was introduced to nuclear pharmacy during a brief, one-hour lecture. That was my only exposure to the field in our entire curriculum — almost like a sidebar in a long paper. That lecture was the fastest 50 minutes in my professional education. Radiology and pharmacy together? Radioactive drugs? What a fascinating concept – I was curious to learn more. I enjoyed learning the finer points of the other drug classes, but nuclear pharmacy was more captivating than the other material I was studying. As I further explored this esoteric field of nuclear pharmacy, it became apparent to me that I had found the realm of pharmacy where I would eventually build my career.
Shortly after becoming a registered pharmacist, I completed the Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist (ANP) training course and began practicing in a commercial radiopharmacy. I thought I had a solid understanding of nuclear medicine, but there were often exceptions or different applications of a concept that were not covered in the basic ANP training. I thought, I have to learn more about this. I dedicated time and effort to hone my skills, build my knowledge, and gain the confidence needed beyond what was covered in the ANP training course. This marked the beginning of my official preparation for BPS Board Certification in Nuclear Pharmacy.
I chose to pursue the Board-Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP) credential because it was the clear next step in demonstrating my advanced knowledge in nuclear pharmacy. Successfully earning the BCNP allowed me to stand out from the crowd as someone committed to maintenance of knowledge, allowing me to practice at a higher level.
Obtaining BPS Board Certification is a statement. It distinguishes a pharmacist as being a dedicated lifelong learner who accepts the challenge to continuously build knowledge, provide the best possible care for patients, and educate the next generation of pharmacists. It’s not just about the credential; it’s what the credential brings out in each individual pharmacist.
Now, as a board-certified pharmacist, I am able to educate student pharmacists in nuclear pharmacy. As an instructor for Nuclear Medicine Technology students, student pharmacists and radiology residents, I recognize I still have to more to learn about this field. I find that students often ask some of the more difficult questions, which challenges me to stay up-to-date on best practices. As I continue my lifelong learning pursuit in nuclear pharmacy, I’m honored to feed the curiosity of the next generation of pharmacists, as well.