WASHINGTON, D.C.—APhA and The University of Florida (UF) College of Pharmacy are pleased to announce a new partnership that will offer pharmacists a test and treat certificate option.
The two organizations will leverage their expertise and experience to offer one of the first national test and treat certificate programs. APhA is the largest association of pharmacists in the United States, while the UF College of Pharmacy ranks among the top 5 pharmacy colleges according to U.S. News & World Report.
The Pharmacy-Based Test and Treat Certificate Training Program will expand a pharmacist’s ability to provide on-the-spot point-of-care testing services at their local pharmacy. They will be able to initiate therapy for influenza, strep throat, urinary tract infections, and other minor, noncomplicated health conditions in accordance with their state practice. This expansion of pharmacy-led patient care services will significantly improve a patient’s access to care.
“Patients are looking for more convenient, more accessible ways to manage their health. As the most accessible health care professional, pharmacists are perfectly positioned to expand patients’ access to care. Test and Treat authority expands pharmacists’ ability to help their patients stay healthy. APhA is incredibly excited to be partnering with the UF College of Pharmacy to provide pharmacists with the essential training they need to provide next-level care to their patients and communities,” said Dan Zlott, PharmD, BCOP, senior vice president of Education and Business Development at APhA.
Pharmacists seeking to enroll in the test and treat certificate program will complete 20 hours of self-study and live training. The comprehensive curriculum was designed to meet the credentialing requirements in every state—allowing pharmacists from coast to coast an opportunity to earn the certificate of achievement.
Participants will be required to demonstrate techniques for the following diagnostic tests: throat swab, nasal swab, and finger-stick testing. In addition, they will learn about expanding patient-centered services in community pharmacies with point-of-care testing and developing a business and marketing plan to implement this innovative service.
“Our program is very practical and covers a wealth of information that pharmacists need to successfully participate and manage a point-of-care testing program,” said Julie Johnson, PharmD, dean and distinguished professor in the UF College of Pharmacy. “We talked to state and national experts, reviewed literature and collaborated with physicians to build a certificate program that is second-to-none in terms of quality and training.”
To register for an upcoming offering of the program, click here.
About APhA
APhA is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. Our expert staff and strong volunteer leadership, including many experienced pharmacists, allow us to deliver vital leadership to help pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians find success and satisfaction in their work and advocate for changes that benefit them, their patients, and their communities. For more information, please visit www.pharmacist.com.
About UF College of Pharmacy
The University of College of Pharmacy (The College) is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 pharmacy college in Florida and in the Top 5 nationally. The College has been developing future leaders in pharmacy practice and science for nearly a century. At campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville and Orlando, award-winning faculty aim to improve the health of Floridians and people across the world through pharmacy education, high-impact research and clinical innovation. For more information, please visit www.pharmacy.ufl.edu/the-college.
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