How to find continuing education for pharmacists

Why do pharmacists need CE? | What counts as CE? | How to find free CE or discounts | How to claim CE credits? | Taking advantage of CE opportunities

Your pharmacy education isn’t over once you’re licensed and working in a pharmacy. States require that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) hours to maintain their licenses. Completing CE requirements can be a way for pharmacy professionals to expand their knowledge in pharmacy practice, network with other healthcare professionals, and advance their careers. 

There are many ways to go about completing your CE credits. Continue reading to learn more about continuing education requirements, ways to satisfy them to renew your license, and resources for affordable or free CE programs. 

Why do pharmacists need continuing education (CE)?

Completing CE requirements ensures that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians stay up to date on pharmacy laws, treatment options, and other important matters. CE credit hours also provide pharmacists and pharmacy technicians a way to refresh their knowledge and sharpen their skills in different areas of pharmacy. 

Depending on your interests, you might choose to complete a specific CE class. For example, you might be concerned with patients asking about taking herbal or dietary supplements. You might choose to take a CE class to refresh your memory on the safety of vitamins and possible drug interactions. 

Completing CE requirements ultimately benefits patients and improves patient care. Pharmacy technicians can learn about new pharmacy laws and regulations enacted to keep patients safe. Pharmacists might learn about new dosing recommendations or new patient safety data regarding medication side effects. 

What counts as pharmacy continuing education?

Some states require specific CE credits. For example, some states require a certain number of CE hours focused on medication errors, pain management, or HIV/AIDS. Many states also require that a certain number of CE credits are live, meaning they are completed in person. Live webinars are generally accepted as live CE credits, but make sure to check with your state’s requirements. 

What counts as pharmacy CE credits can vary depending on the state you work in. In general, the following count as CE credits:

• Classes or courses approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
• Events or conferences hosted by state or national pharmacy associations
• Pharmacy webinars or online courses that are ACPE-approved

Some CE classes will not count toward fulfilling your CE requirements. These include: 

• CE credits required as part of disciplinary action (these need to be completed in addition to regular CE renewal credits)
• Classes or courses not approved by the ACPE (these may be accepted by some state boards)

A certain number of CE credit hours need to be completed every renewal period. Pharmacists usually need to complete 30 CE credit hours every two years, while pharmacy technicians usually need to complete 20 hours every two years. The renewal period and required amount of CE credit hours can vary depending on the state where you’re licensed. 

Check with your state’s board of pharmacy to make sure you’re completing the right number of CE credit hours. You should also check with them for additional requirements and specifications on what CE credits are acceptable.

How to find free CE or discounts

Luckily, earning CE credits is more flexible now than ever before, and there are many sources available to help you complete your CE credits. You may also be able to take advantage of free courses or discounted programs to get all of your CE credits from one platform. 

1. Find established CE programs 

Different organizations provide ACPE-approved CE activities, including live webinars and at-home study activities. Some provide free opportunities to complete CE credit hours; however, they may only provide a limited number of free pharmacy CE activities. In some cases, they may provide unlimited online CE activities with an annual membership purchase. 

Established pharmacy CE credit providers include:

• FreeCE
• Pharmacy Times
• Pharmacist’s Letter
• PowerPak

2. Join national and state pharmacy associations

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and its partners offer access to various CE programs. You can complete CE credits on different topics, such as COVID-19, improving clinical services, and immunizations. 

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is one of the largest accredited providers of pharmacy continuing education for both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. They offer a number of CE credit opportunities and other benefits, especially with a membership. 

States often have their own pharmacy associations that may provide CE credit activities. Both state and national pharmacy associations also provide CE credit hours through conferences and live events. 

3. Join specialized pharmacy organizations

There are opportunities to complete CE requirements through specialty organizations for pharmacy professionals who are working in specialty areas like cardiology, infectious diseases, or ambulatory care. The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) offers programs and activities for specialty pharmacists to recertify through completing CE credits. Other organizations, like the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP), offer specialty activities to earn CE credits. 

4. Complete CE credit hours from other associations

Different medical associations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), offer specific CE credit opportunities. These associations often host live events, conferences, and online education courses to earn CE credits. Some states accept CE credits from programs or associations in medicine, dentistry, or nursing. Check with your state’s requirements to find out what is accepted.  

5. Join pharmacy technician associations 

Pharmacy technicians who are certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can find their CE requirements on the PTCB website. Pharmacy technicians can also use the PTCB CE directory to find free pharmacy tech CE programs.

Pharmacy technicians who are certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can find CE resources on the NHA website. The NHA offers CE courses and other resources through their CE library. 

6. Check with your employer

In many cases, the best way to complete CE credits is through your employer. In order to comply with regulations and keep you as an employee, employers will often offer their own ACPE-approved courses, pay for your learning, or reimburse your expenses to complete CE credit hours. Your employer may also pay for you to attend certain conferences that can count as CE credits. 

How to claim pharmacy CE credits

CE credits need to be claimed through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) within 60 days of completing the activity. You should submit the claim as soon as possible after completing the activity to ensure it is processed and you receive credit. CE credits are good for your current renewal period. 

You should receive an NABP e-Profile ID after signing up for an account on the NABP website. You can then track your CE credits through the continuing pharmacy education (CPE) monitor, an electronic system for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to track their credits and monitor their progress. 

If you complete your CE credits through a CE provider or broker, your CE credits are usually processed and reported to the CPE monitor automatically. You should check with the CE provider to see how they process your credits. In general, it could take up to 60 days for the provider to report your CE activity. 

Take advantage of CE opportunities

Pharmacy CE credit opportunities are abundant. You should take advantage of CE activities to learn about new developments in pharmacy or other areas that interest you. You can also go to pharmacy events and conferences to boost your professional development, complete live CE credit hours, and network with other pharmacy professionals. That way you’re getting the most out of your CE credits.