Describe state and national professional organizations, regulatory boards, and credentialing in the field of pharmacy.

Description should include the following:

• Virginia Pharmacy Association (VPhA) Links to an external site.
• Virginia Society of Health-System Pharmacists (VSHP) Links to an external site.
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Links to an external site.
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Links to an external site.
• National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Links to an external site.
• American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Links to an external site.
• National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) Links to an external site.
• Virginia Board of Pharmacy Links to an external site.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Links to an external site.
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Links to an external site.
• Virginia Department of Health Professions Links to an external site.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Links to an external site.
• The Joint Commission Links to an external site.

See ASHP 2.1, 2.3 Links to an external site..

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is the function of each organization in relation to the field of pharmacy?
• What resources are available to pharmacy technicians through these organizations?
• How do these organizations further the professional development of pharmacy technicians?