The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) and American College of Veterinary Pharmacists are pleased to announce the establishment of new membership categories designed to enhance participation in the organizations by pharmacists at all stages of their careers as well as a new “Dual Fellowship” for Pharmacist Fellows who are interested in membership in both organizations.
“We realized that there were pharmacists who didn’t meet the criteria for Fellowship in the Colleges, but were either working in an independent community pharmacy or had pharmacy ownership as a goal,” said Donnie Calhoun, CEO / Executive Vice-President of the American College of Apothecaries and American College of Veterinary Pharmacists.
“Now they can join as a Pharmacist Member and take advantage of the benefits, discounts, and opportunities for networking and professional development that our Fellows enjoy. In a few years, as they advance in their careers, they can apply for Fellowship and the recognition that designation offers.”
“We also wanted to lower the barriers to membership for our student members,” Calhoun said. “An increasing number of pharmacy students are taking advantage of the free student membership in ACA and ACVP. By establishing a graduated fee structure for the first four years after graduation, new pharmacists can benefit from membership in ACA and ACVP while they are just starting their professional careers without the cost being a factor.”
The Pharmacist Member category is open to any licensed pharmacist meeting the ACA or ACVP Practice Standards and has a $250 annual membership fee. Pharmacist members may apply for Fellowship at any time. Fees for New Practitioners are $50 per year for 1-2 years after graduation and $125 per year for 3-4 years after graduation.
Pharmacists who meet the requirements for Fellowship in both the American College of Apothecaries and the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists may apply for Dual Fellowship. Annual membership dues for Dual Fellowship are $700 for the first year and $850 per year for renewals.
Information and online applications for membership may be found at www.acainfo.org/joinaca and www.vetmeds.org/joinacvp.
