Overview

Nuclear pharmacy was the first specialty area of pharmacy practice, established by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) in 1978. Unlike chemotherapy pharmacy, which deals exclusively with cancer-fighting drugs, nuclear pharmacy is concerned with the production and safe use of radioactive drugs, called radiopharmaceuticals, in order to treat a variety of illnesses. For example, one of the most effective treatments for hyperthyroidism—a condition characterized by excessive sweating, weight loss, and nervousness due to an overproduction of the thyroid hormone—is radioactive iodine. When consumed, radioactive iodine causes the thyroid gland to shrink, reducing hormone production.

What is a Nuclear Pharmacist?

The nuclear pharmacist serves as a member of a nuclear medicine team and is responsible for securing radioactive material to be used in drug preparation. The bulk of a nuclear pharmacists’ duties lie in preparing, testing, dispensing, and monitoring radiopharmaceuticals. These radiopharmaceuticals have a variety of medical uses, but are most commonly employed for diagnostic purposes. When a radiopharmaceutical is ingested, it is absorbed by a specific, targeted organ. This organ transmits the radioactivity, allowing doctors with special imaging equipment to study the organ’s functioning and detect any anomalies. Nuclear pharmacists maintain an inventory of radiopharmaceuticals, prescribe these drugs to patients, and are consulted in case of any unforeseen reactions. They also contribute to department management.

Board certification

Eligibility Requirements

The Board of Pharmacy Specialists (BPS) is the foremost certification agency for the specialized pharmacological fields. Their mission statement is as follows:

“The Mission of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties is to improve patient care by promoting the recognition and value of specialized training, knowledge, and skills in pharmacy and specialty board certification of pharmacists.”

In addition to the undergraduate and pharmacy college schoolwork required for all pharmacists, board certification for nuclear pharmacy requires 4,000 hours nuclear pharmacy training or experience. This can fulfilled in any of the following ways:

• Academic (2,000 hour maximum)
  • Undergraduate education (1,500 hour maximum)—up to 150 hours of experience for each semester credit hour in nuclear pharmacy or 100 hours of experience for each quarter credit hour in nuclear pharmacy
  • Postgraduate education (1,500 hour maximum)—up to 150 hours of experience for each semester credit hour in nuclear pharmacy or 100 hours of experience for each quarter credit hour in nuclear pharmacy
  • A master’s or doctorate in nuclear pharmacy (2,000 hour maximum)
  • Successfully completing any of the various Nuclear Pharmacy Certificate Programs

• Practice (4,000 hour maximum)
  • Nuclear pharmacy residency (2,000 hour maximum)
  • Nuclear pharmacy internship (2,000 hour maximum)
  • Nuclear pharmacy practice (4,000 hour maximum)

Lastly, candidates must pass the Nuclear Pharmacy Specialty Certification Exam.

Recertification

Board recertification is required every seven years. This process exists to ensure both the public and the pharmacy community that practitioners undergo periodic evaluation. Nuclear pharmacy recertification has three components:

• Self-evaluation: An individual review of the changes that have occurred in nuclear pharmacy practice since initial certification or most recent recertification.
• Peer review: A confirmation and Specialty Council on Nuclear Pharmacy review of the candidate’s nuclear pharmacy practice activities during the seven year certification period.
• Formal Assessment: An assessment of skills and knowledge that requires completion of either of the following:
  • Earn a passing score on the official recertification exam
  • 100 credit hours of continuing education through a BPS-approved professional development program.

Career Path

Work Environment

Nuclear pharmacists work in two primary environments: institutional and commercial. Commercial nuclear pharmacists work in a lab, employed by private companies to produce radiopharmaceuticals that are then delivered to hospitals and clinics. Institutional nuclear pharmacists are linked to hospitals and medical centers, where they receive drugs from commercial pharmacies and prepare them for use. They have direct contact with patients and other medical professionals.

Work behind lead shielded glass in a lab

Average Salary

The average annual salary for a nuclear pharmacist is an estimated $118, 452. This can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, including years of experience, certification, size of clinic or hospital where employed, and leadership role in the pharmacy department. Some nuclear pharmacists earn below $100,000 annually, while a small percentage earns $170,000 or more.

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