Specialisation
In Germany, a federal licence to practice pharmacy (“Approbation”) allows pharmacists to acquire further knowledge and skills to become a specialised pharmacist (“Fachapotheker”).
You have the following options for specialisation:
Pharmaceutical specialisation fields in Germany („Weiterbildungsgebiet“)
- Community pharmacy
- Clinical pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical analysis and technology
- Drug Information
- Toxicology
- Theoretical and practical education
- Public health matters
- Clinical chemistry
Pharmaceutical specialisation areas in Germany („Weiterbildungsbereich“)
- Medication management in hospitals
- Infectiology
- Geriatric pharmacy
- Nutrition advice
- Prevention and health promotion
- Oncology pharmacy
- Naturopathy and homeopathy
- Pediatric pharmacy
Specialisation in a field is only possible at an approved specialisation institution. The specialisation takes a minimum of three years (36 months) in full-time employment. It is also possible to specialise on a part-time basis, but the duration will be correspondingly longer. Throughout the specialisation period, the trainee is supervised by an authorised pharmacist who is also a specialist pharmacist in the corresponding specilisation field. The trainee and the authorised pharmacist draw up a training plan together and hold regular discussions on the progress of the training. During specialisation, seminars must be attended in order to acquire new knowledge and new impulses for professional practice. At least 120 hours of seminars must be attended. Towards the end of the specialisation, a written project thesis must be completed which deals in depth with a specific topic of the specialisation. Depending on the field or area of specialisation, additional requirements may need to be met, such as attending study circles or completing additional practical tasks.
The specialisation is concluded with an oral examination. Successful completion entitles the holder to use the title of specialist pharmacist, e.g. "Specialist pharmacist for Clinical Pharmacy".
Specialisation in areas is offered in addition or alternatively to the specialisation in fields. The specialisation in areas takes only 12 months.
You can find more information about the different specialisations on the German ABDA website.
In Germany, the chambers of pharmacists of the federal states have the responsibility for the specialisation of pharmacists. For any question it is recommended to contact the chamber of pharmacists in that federal state the working place is or will be.
The list of the contact persons of the various chambers of pharmacists in Germany can be found via the link below: