Pharmacy Online Continuing Education
Pharmacists are required to renew their license to practice pharmacy annually in the United States. One of the requirements for renewal involves continuing education courses. The number of continuing education credits pharmacists must receive varies by state, but in all cases the credits must be earned before the year requiring renewal. In keeping with increased Internet usage in all aspects of education, pharmacists can obtain continuing education credits online.
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Types
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Pharmacists have a wide array of course subjects to choose from when registering for continuing education online. Some courses cover trends in generic medications or new drugs and medical devices on the horizon. Still others offer courses on improvements in current prescriptions or drug delivery systems. Many choose to focus on the emerging changes in pharmacy law, which covers subjects such as pharmacists' liability if patients misuse controlled substances or in the case of gender discrimination.
Significance
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The field of pharmacology experiences frequent changes due to innovations and advances as well as changes in privacy and insurance laws. Pharmacists need to maintain a fresh and dynamic knowledge base in order to properly counsel and ensure the health and safety of those purchasing prescriptions. Pharmacists are increasingly called upon to spend time with patients, answering questions about drugs and dispensing advice that could affect clients' well-being.
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Benefits
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Taking required continuing education courses in an online setting saves the pharmacist from having to take time out of business hours to attend a live seminar or class. Additionally, he or she can work on the course at home and at any time of day that is most convenient. Many working professionals have very busy lives outside of their careers, and the flexibility of taking an online course is very appealing.
Considerations
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Pharmacists seeking online continuing education courses should make certain the course provider is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Educators. The council is a nonprofit organization that provides the only recognized directory of accredited continuing education providers for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Checking the list of accredited providers before spending the time to sit for an online course will prevent a waste of time for the pharmacist and a possible delay in license renewal.
Costs
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Costs associated with online continuing education for pharmacists vary depending on the credits awarded upon completion of the course and the subject matter. Some courses are free of charge and can be completed in one short sitting, but offer only half a credit; others can range from $6 to $50 and may take a day or two to complete. The cost and time necessary to complete a course usually corresponds to the number of credits the student will receive upon completion.
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References
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