11 Industries That Require Continuing Education

3. Pharmacy (Pharmacists)

Pharmacists must meet continuing education requirements established by state boards of pharmacy, often coordinated with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Requirements commonly include a set number of hours per renewal period and may mandate coursework on controlled substances, patient safety, or emergency preparedness. The MATE Act’s opioid/substance use training requirement also affects prescribers and may influence pharmacy practice expectations; check whether your state imposes additional CE topics tied to controlled-substance handling. To find exact hours and approved providers, consult your state board of pharmacy website or NABP (https://nabp.pharmacy). Practical compliance tips: 1) Confirm the board's acceptable CE tracking method; 2) Choose ACPE-accredited programs when possible, as ACPE is the standard accreditation for pharmacy CEs; 3) Keep digital or printed certificates organized by renewal year for smooth license renewal.