Psychiatric Pharmacist
Psychiatric pharmacists are specially trained to help manage medications for mental health conditions, including substance use disorders.
They work with health care providers to ensure medications are safe and effective.
Psychiatric pharmacists meet with patients in person or through telehealth to support treatment goals and often have the authority to adjust medications as part of the care team.
Nebraska universities currently do not offer psychiatric pharmacy residencies. For more information on residency programs, visit the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) online at aapp.org.
Education Requirements
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree with science coursework, followed by 3–4 years of pharmacy school. Optional postgraduate residencies (1–2 years) and board certification (BCPP) further specialize training. The first year of post-graduate training (PGY1) covers general practice; the second year (PGY2) focuses on mental health and substance use disorders.
Work Environment
Academic health centers, hospitals, outpatient practices, primary care clinics, correctional institutions, Veterans Affairs hospitals and outpatient facilities, community behavioral health clinics, the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, schools and universities, and substance use treatment programs.
Projected Growth & Salary Range
Projected Growth: 5 percent.
Salary Range: $115,000 - $175,000
Specializations, Programs & Required License/Certificate
Specializations:
- Addiction
- Neurology
- Substance use disorders
- Chronic pain
- Child & Adolescent, Geriatric
- Consultation-liaison psychiatry
- Forensic
Programs:
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) | PharmD | 402.559.4000 | unmc.edu
- Creighton University | PharmD | Omaha | 402.280.2700 | creighton.edu
No Residency in Nebraska
Required License/Certificate:
- Pharmacist License