Association management is an exciting career field where professionals help run organizations that bring people with similar interests together. In pharmacy and healthcare, many associations exist to support pharmacists, researchers, and students. These organizations provide education, set professional standards, and help improve the pharmacy profession.  

People who work in association management advocate for important healthcare policies, create educational programs, help organize events, and connect professionals in the field. It’s a great career for those who enjoy project-based work, teamwork, leadership, and making a difference in the pharmacy world.

What Do Association Managers Do?  

Those who work in association management work behind the scenes to support pharmacy professionals and students. Their jobs can include:

• Advocating for pharmacy policies: They work with government leaders to improve laws and regulations related to medicine and patient care.  
• Creating educational programs: They develop training and resources to help pharmacists and students learn new skills.  
• Organizing conferences and events: They help plan large meetings where pharmacy experts share the latest research and advancements in medicine.  
• Helping pharmacy students and professionals connect: They organize networking events where people in the field can meet and share ideas.

A career in association management allows pharmacists to work in a variety of focus areas such as education, government affairs, membership, practice and professional affairs, and more!

Gaining Experience in Association Management

Pharmacy students interested in association management can gain hands-on experience by completing Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) at state or national organizations. These programs allow students to:

• Meet and collaborate with pharmacy leaders from around the country.  
• Learn how pharmacy policies are created and improved.  
• Work on real projects, such as planning pharmacy education events.
• Develop project management and communication skills.  

By participating in APPEs or internships with pharmacy associations, students can explore careers in association management while still in school. Pharmacists can also complete a fellowship in association management with a state or national pharmacy association. These postgraduate training programs can provide aspiring association managers with the necessary skills for a successful career within this diverse field.  

Why is Association Management Important?  

• Supports the pharmacy profession: These organizations help train pharmacists and improve healthcare for everyone.  
• Advances pharmacy education: Associations create learning programs that help pharmacists stay up to date on the latest medical advancements.
• Maintains high professional standards: Certification agencies like the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) ensure that pharmacy professionals meet strict requirements to provide safe and effective care.  
• Shapes healthcare policy: Association managers work with leaders to create laws that improve patient care and medicine safety.

How Can You Get Involved?  

If you enjoy project-based work, organizing events, working with people, and making a big impact in healthcare, a career in association management might be a great fit! You could work for organizations like the ones listed below, helping to improve pharmacy education and patient care. Students interested in this field should consider completing an APPE rotation, internship, or fellowship with a pharmacy association to gain valuable experience. It’s a great career for those who love leadership, teamwork, and helping shape the future of pharmacy! 

Pharmacy-Related Associations  

There are many professional associations in pharmacy that support pharmacists, researchers, and students. Some of the most well-known include (listed in alphabetic order):

• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) – Focuses on pharmacy education and helps train future pharmacists.  
• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) - The official accrediting body for pharmacy education in the U.S.
• American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) - Advances clinical pharmacy practice through education, research, and advocacy to improve patient care.  
• American Pharmacists Association (APhA) – The largest association for all pharmacists, offering resources and advocacy.  
• American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) - Supports pharmacists who provide medication management and care for older adults in various healthcare settings.
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) – Focuses on pharmacists who work in hospitals and healthcare systems.  
• Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) - A professional organization focused on optimizing medication management and improving patient outcomes through managed care pharmacy.  
• National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) - Supports state pharmacy associations in advancing the profession through collaboration and advocacy.  
• National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) - Assists state boards of pharmacy in protecting public health by ensuring the integrity of pharmacy practice and licensure.  
• National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) - Represents retail chain pharmacies, advocating for policies that support community pharmacy services.  
• National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) – Supports pharmacists who own or work in community pharmacies.  
• National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA) - A professional organization dedicated to serving the underserved and supporting minority groups in pharmacy.
• Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) - Develops and promotes performance measures to improve medication safety, adherence, and appropriate use.

These organizations along with state pharmacy associations help make sure the pharmacy profession continues to grow and improve, offering opportunities for students to get involved and learn more.

Certification Agencies in Pharmacy

Certification agencies play a key role in recognizing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that have displayed advanced knowledge and skills in providing safe and effective care. Two of the most important certification agencies in pharmacy are:

• Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) – This organization offers certifications for pharmacists who want to specialize in areas like oncology, cardiology, or infectious diseases. Pharmacists with BPS certification have advanced training and expertise in specific fields of pharmacy.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) – This organization provides certification for pharmacy technicians, ensuring they meet high standards in pharmacy practice. A PTCB certification helps technicians advance their careers and work in more specialized pharmacy settings.

Association managers working with these organizations help maintain certification programs, update testing requirements, and promote professional development opportunities for pharmacy professionals.