New Program Allows Pharmacists to Earn a Compounded Sterile Preparations Certificate

The American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) has launched a Compounded Sterile Preparations Certificate program for pharmacists who manage personnel and facilities involved in compounding sterile preparations. This self-guided, online, continuing education program serves as a preparatory course for pharmacists planning to sit for the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (BCSCP) certification examination.

The new certificate program trains pharmacists in basic compounding techniques and advanced skills required to lead and manage safe and compliant sterile preparation in a cleanroom environment. The curriculum features 16 educational modules that correlate to the domains tested by BPS. The course covers practice standards and regulations, including current and proposed requirements for compliance with USP Chapters <797> and <800>.

At ASHP's 2018 Midyear Clinical Meeting in Anaheim, California, Wendy Gaudet, PharmD, discussed the wipe sampling program implemented at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she is Director of Pharmacy. The video below addresses how this program was started and building awareness for it.

ASHP's new certificate program provides training in the design, construction, and maintenance of compounding facilities; cleanroom personnel behaviors; sterile compounding components and procedures; stability and sterility; nonsterile to sterile compounding; hazardous drugs; managing products until final check or disposal; quality management; and patient care.

Participants who enroll in the program will earn up to 38 hours of pharmacy continuing education credits upon successful completion of all of the modules. A score of 80% or higher on a comprehensive examination also is required to receive credits.

The Compounded Sterile Preparations Certificate is the 11th offering in ASHP’s Professional Certificate line of continuing education programs. Each of the ASHP Professional Certificate Programs offers at least 15 hours of credit that can be earned upon completion of individual modules. Participants must complete all of the modules in a program and demonstrate increased knowledge and skills by passing a comprehensive exam or completing practice-based exercises to be eligible for an ASHP professional certificate.

For more information about the Sterile Product Preparation Certificate Program and other ASHP professional certificate programs, visit the organization's website.