What Is the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)?

The APhA is the largest national association of pharmacists in the U.S. Its 63,000 members are pharmacists, students, technicians, and pharmaceutical scientists.

The APhA began life as the American Pharmaceutical Association back in 1852. Since then it has become a highly respected body with 130 or so staff. These staff work at the prestigious APhA offices in Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the APhA

The APhA provides its members with education, advocacy, and information. The intention is to help pharmacists improve the use of medication and enhance the care of patients.

To achieve these goals, the APhA works to:

  • Give members the chance to communicate with their peers from different aspects of pharmacy practice.
  • Educate and influence law-makers and the general public.
  • Ensure that members have the best resources to enable their professional development.
  • Make people aware that pharmacists have a vital role to play in patient care and the best use of medicines.
  • Provide members with the up-to-date information they need to do their jobs.

The three academies

Anyone applying to the APhA for membership has a choice of three academies. These reflect membership status:

  • The Academy of Student Pharmacists
  • The Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science
  • The Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management

Meetings

The highlight of the APhA calendar is the annual four-day meeting and exposition. Attended by more than 6,000 pharmacists from a variety of backgrounds, this event covers the latest ideas, trends, and practices in the pharmacy world.

Eight regional meetings held in the fall supplement the annual meeting. These regional gatherings are opportunities to catch up on pharmacy developments and to discuss contemporary issues with colleagues. They also stimulate interest in continuing education programs, and emphasize the needs of student pharmacists.

The regions cover the whole of the U.S. This allows as many members as possible to participate.

What can the APhA do for you?

Going to the meetings is one way in which pharmacists and student pharmacists can benefit from APhA membership. The APhA also offers help to budding, student, and established pharmacists to develop their careers with:

  • A program run jointly with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) that gives advice to people thinking about a pharmacy career.
  • An intern program that offers experience in national association management.
  • Resource tools help newly qualified pharmacists find the job they want.
  • Patient care projects that support initiatives to combat diabetes, improve immunization, and encourage patient counseling.
  • Advocacy projects that help change the way legislators enact law that affects the practice of pharmacy.
  • Awards that recognize exceptional achievements, and scholarships that assist outstanding students.

In addition, a Student Pharmacist magazine has informative articles about leadership and professional topics.

International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF)

Student pharmacist members of the APhA automatically become members of IPSF.

IPSF represents student pharmacist bodies across the world. It has an exchange program, and supports a wide range of health care projects.

Contacting the APhA

Contact details for the APhA are as follows:

American Pharmacists Association
2215 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
Telephone: 1-800-237-APhA (2742)
(202) 628-4410
Fax: (202) 783-2351

Published on 2009-11-17