Learn more about the duties, practice settings, typical workdays, and educational opportunities, as well as personal advice from pharmacists in this practice area.
What is nutrition support pharmacy?
Nutrition support is the provision of nutrition through a feeding tube (enteral nutrition) or directly into the veins (parenteral nutrition). A nutrition support pharmacist will tailor a nutrition support therapy regimen based on patient-specific factors. Nutrition support therapy can be provided to acutely ill patients who cannot take oral nutrition for a small amount of time, or it can be provided to patients who receive nutrition support therapy at home for extended periods of time.
Where does a nutrition support pharmacist work?
Nutrition support pharmacists usually work in an acute care setting. However, there are also nutrition support pharmacists that manage nutrition support therapy for patients receiving long-term therapy.
What does a typical workday look like?
Nutrition support pharmacists will collaborate with physicians, dietitians, and nurses throughout the day. These pharmacists typically do patient rounds daily, and they can be a part of a multidisciplinary nutrition support team or service.
What educational opportunities are available for pharmacists in this area?
- Nutrition support pharmacists have the opportunity to become a Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP).
- The National Board of Nutrition Support also offers a certification where pharmacists can become a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC).
- There are a number of certificate programs individuals can complete to enhance their knowledge in nutrition support pharmacy. ASHP and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition offer a Nutrition Support Certificate program online.
How can I learn more about this career path?
- ASHP has a dedicated Nutrition Resource Center for information about nutrition support pharmacy and tools to help you understand the practice.
- Join ASHP Connect and review discussion threads and communities relevant to nutrition support pharmacy.
- Reach out to your faculty at your school or college of pharmacy practicing in this field and arrange a shadowing opportunity or rotation.
Member Career Profiles
Andrew Mays, PharmD, BCNSP, CNSC
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Nutrition Support
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
What interested you in pharmacy and this career path?
“My mentor has played a big part in my professional development. He was able to introduce me to nutrition support and continue to support my career as I advanced. Finding a mentor is an integral part to ensure the success of young pharmacists. This is especially important in highly specialized areas of pharmacy.”
What advice do you have for someone interested in this career field?
“I would recommend joining professional organizations such as ASHP and ASPEN as a student member. However, just joining an organization is not enough. You must reach out and get involved in the organizations. The ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum has numerous opportunities for involvement, such as the Executive Committee, Councils, and Advisory Groups. Student committees or activities are great places to start so you can build a network. I also suggest joining your ASHP state affiliate and local SSHP to network with local leaders.”