2003 Press Releases

More Than 500 Pharmacists Achieve NIPCO Diplomate Status in 2003
More Than 500 Pharmacists Achieve NIPCO Diplomate Status in 2003
Seattle, Washington - October 18, 2003

This year, 590 pharmacists earned the Pharmacist Care Diplomate credential from the National Institute for Pharmacist Care Outcomes (NIPCO), the disease management education arm of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). The announcement was made at NCPA's 105th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition in Seattle, Washington, October 18-22, 2003.

To achieve Diplomate status, pharmacists are required to complete a curriculum totaling a minimum of 45 hours in at least three 15-hour NIPCO-accredited education certificate programs.

"It is gratifying to see the extra effort independent community pharmacists are willing to make to enhance the care they give their patients," said NIPCO Chairman Holly Whitcomb Henry, R.Ph. "It reflects well on the value of NIPCO's programs and on the profession."

The NIPCO-accredited education curriculum consists of comprehensive certificate programs that range from 15 to 20 hours in length and focus on disease prevention and management, including monitoring, evaluating, counseling, intervening, and directing medication-related therapies to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes.

Among the topics addressed in the NIPCO curriculum are:

arthritis and pain care
cardiovascular care
diabetes care
immunization skills
lipid management
mental health care
osteoporosis care
respiratory care
nutrition and weight management
pharmacist care skills
men's health care
biotechnology specialty products
therapeutic foot care and diabetes programs

The National Institute for Pharmacist Care Outcomes, launched by NCPA in 1995, is the national accrediting organization for pharmacist care education and training programs leading to the pharmacist care Diplomate credential and a leading authority in helping community pharmacists develop new market niches in disease management.

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) represents the nation's community pharmacists, including the owners of nearly 24,000 pharmacies. The nation's independent pharmacies, independent pharmacy franchises, and independent chains represent a $67 billion marketplace, dispensing nearly half of the nation's three billion retail prescription medicines.