Nutrition support therapy involves administering various methods to feed those who cannot eat any or enough food due to an illness or disability. Often this results from malfunction in the stomach or bowels. The two main methods of therapy involve enteral and parenteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition, also called “tube feeding,” directs a solution of necessary nutrients into the stomach or small intestine via a tube. Parenteral nutrition delivers needed nutrients intravenously.
Nutrition support pharmacists use their expertise to ensure the maintenance or restoration of patient health. Individually, they are responsible for preparing and administering prescribed nutritional formula. As part of a multidisciplinary nutritional support team, they provide direct patient care, including assessment, clinical monitoring, dosages, and troubleshooting any unexpected pharmacological issues. Like other pharmacists, they may also conduct research and educate pharmacy students as well as other healthcare professionals.
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 nutrition support pharmacy requires completion of either of the following post-graduate endeavors:
Lastly, candidates must pass the Nutrition Support Pharmacy Specialty Certification Exam.
Board recertification is required every seven years. This process exists to ensure both the public and the pharmacy community that practitioners undergo periodic evaluation. Recertification involves an assessment of skills and knowledge that requires completion of either of the following:
Nutrition support pharmacists work in both a team and patient-oriented environment. As part of a team of medical professionals, they must work with physicians, dietitians, and nurses to meet patient nutritional needs. As individuals, they directly care for patients who need specialized treatment.
There is no official data on the median annual salary of nutritional support pharmacists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of pharmacists (in general) is $118,470 a year. Location, experience, and qualifications may all alter base salary.
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