Transforming pharmacy practice through innovation – one patient at a time.

The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to advancing independent, compounding, and community pharmacy practice. Since 1940, ACA has fostered clinical excellence, innovation, and professional development through education, advocacy, and Fellowship. We support pharmacists in expanding their roles in patient care, medication management, and emerging specialties.

ACA works in close partnership with the ACA Research and Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1978 to support pharmacy advancement through research, public service, and educational initiatives. Together, ACA and the Foundation provide scholarships, training programs, and resources that empower pharmacists to lead in evolving healthcare environments.

In 1998, ACA helped launch the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP) to support pharmacists specializing in animal health and veterinary compounding. ACVP continues to grow as a national leader in veterinary pharmacy education and advocacy, operating in alignment with ACA’s mission to promote excellence across all areas of pharmacy practice.

Through these collaborative entities, ACA remains committed to transforming pharmacy practice—one patient, one pharmacist, and one innovation at a time.

Vision Statement

Empowering passionate pharmacy professionals to provide exceptional patient care in thriving community practices.

Mission Statement

Conduct educational programs, facilitate networking and mentoring, and promote leadership that empowers pharmacy professionals to provide exceptional patient care.

Core Values

Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Integrity, Education, Independence, Sustainability

ACA Office and National Training Laboratory, Bartlett, Tennessee
Different laboratory glassware with color liquid on laboratory b

How ACA Works For You

The greatest benefit of Fellowship is the open sharing among Fellows of ideas for bringing greater success, both professionally and financially, to the pharmacy practice. The College is comprised of many individuals who hold leadership positions in other state and national pharmacy organizations and provides an excellent forum to discuss areas of mutual interest and benefit to the profession in addition to strengthening an individual practice.

Maintaining Fellowship in the College designates you as an individual who is committed to offering exemplary pharmacy services in your community. A number of items are available to assist you in marketing this fact to your patients, potential patients and other health care practitioners in your community.

The ACA was a charter member of the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP) which was established in 1977. The JCPP serves as a forum on matters of common interest and concern to national organizations of pharmacy practitioners and invited liaison members. The ACA served as Secretariat for the Commission for more than 30 years.

Affiliations

PCAB Accreditation is a service of Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) that assesses the non-sterile and sterile pharmacy compounding processes as defined by a specific set of standards that concentrate on the quality and consistency of medications produced. By achieving PCAB Accreditation, compounding pharmacies are able to demonstrate their commitment to compounding the highest-quality medications. PCAB accreditation, in combination with ACA’s commitment to continuous compliance, significantly reduces the risk associated with compounding medications and demonstrates a commitment to meeting the highest industry standards for quality and safety.

Founding of Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB)

Established in 2007 by eight of the nation’s leading pharmacy organizations, Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) offers the most comprehensive compliance solution in the industry, with standards based on U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) guidelines. PCAB assesses pharmacies that compound medications whether in the retail, hospital, mail order, or closed door setting. This includes the combining, mixing, or altering of drug ingredients to create a medication pursuant to a prescription order for an individually identified patient. An extensive on-site survey conducted by an independent expert and annual verification ensures compliance with the non-sterile and sterile pharmacy compounding process defined by USP <795> and USP <797>.

In 2014 PCAB Accreditation became a service of Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). The alignment of the organizations ensures that safety and compliance needs are met in the most efficient and effective manner.

The Value of PCAB Accreditation

  • THIRD-PARTY RECOGNITION – PCAB Accreditation meets compliance requirements for a growing number of payors, networks, and regulatory bodies.
  • IMPROVED QUALITY AND SAFETY – In achieving PCAB Accreditation, pharmacies benefit from consistent practices that result in improved safety, efficiency, and quality of care.
  • RISK AVERSION – Adherence to PCAB standards helps pharmacies maintain compliance with all applicable USP guidelines.
  • MARKET ADVANTAGE – PCAB Accreditation allows pharmacies to distinguish themselves among their competitors by demonstrating a commitment to compliance with USP compounding standards as well as industry best practices.
  • OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES – PCAB’s educational approach to accreditation enhances business operations, helps inform effective strategies, and improves patient outcomes through evidence-based best practices.
  • CONTINUITY OF SERVICE – PCAB facilitates a standardized level of service that includes sound procedures, documentation, and training to ensure consistent performance across the entire organization.

Contact PCAB
139 Weston Oaks Ct
Cary, NC 27513
855-937-2242
achc.org