Career Path: Hazardous Drug Program Coordinator – Council on Pharmacy Standards
CAREER SPOTLIGHT

Hazardous Drug Program Coordinator

Protect healthcare workers, patients, and the environment by leading and managing comprehensive hazardous drug safety programs.

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The Guardian of Occupational Safety

A Hazardous Drug Program Coordinator is a dedicated safety expert responsible for the oversight of all aspects of hazardous drug (HD) handling within a healthcare organization. This role is paramount for ensuring compliance with standards set by USP <800>, OSHA, and NIOSH. They are the central authority on policies and procedures for the entire lifecycle of HDs—from receipt and storage to compounding, administration, and disposal.

As the coordinator, you are a hands-on leader and educator. You develop and implement the institution’s HD safety plan, conduct risk assessments, and ensure all staff who handle HDs receive appropriate training and demonstrate competency. You are responsible for facility compliance, such as proper ventilation in compounding areas, and for managing the medical surveillance program for employees. Your work is indispensable for creating a culture of safety and minimizing the risk of occupational exposure to carcinogens and other dangerous substances.

Core Responsibilities

  • Policy & Procedure Management

    Developing, reviewing, and annually updating the organization’s comprehensive hazardous drug safety policies in line with USP <800>.

  • Risk Assessment & Auditing

    Conducting routine audits and assessments of all areas where HDs are handled to identify gaps and ensure compliance.

  • Staff Training & Competency

    Designing and delivering mandatory training on proper handling, PPE use, spill management, and disposal for all affected personnel.

  • Spill & Exposure Management

    Leading the response to any accidental HD spills or personnel exposures, ensuring proper cleanup, documentation, and follow-up care.

Your Certification Pathway to a Hazardous Drug Safety Leader

Mastery of this critical safety role requires proven expertise in regulatory compliance, sterile and non-sterile compounding, and medication safety principles. These certifications validate your authority in the field.

CUCO

Certified USP <800> Compliance Officer

The essential certification for this role, demonstrating your expert-level knowledge of USP <800> and your ability to lead an effective compliance program.

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CHDHP

Certified Hazardous Drug Handling Pharmacist

Validates the core competencies and practical skills required by all personnel who handle hazardous drugs, from receipt to disposal.

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CMSO

Certified Medication Safety Officer

Provides a broader foundation in medication safety principles and systems analysis, which is crucial for integrating HD safety into overall patient safety goals.

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A Day in the Life

Your day is a proactive mix of auditing, educating, and problem-solving to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Morning: Conducting a Department Audit

You perform a walk-through of the oncology infusion suite, observing nurses administering chemotherapy. You check that proper PPE is being used, that priming and spiking is done with a closed system transfer device (CSTD), and that waste is disposed of in the correct containers.

Mid-Day: New Employee Orientation

You lead a mandatory hazardous drug training session for new pharmacy technicians and environmental services staff. You cover the facility’s list of HDs, the risks of exposure, and the specific procedures they must follow in their respective roles.

Afternoon: Investigating a Near Miss

You review a safety report where a hazardous drug was mistakenly placed in the non-hazardous pneumatic tube system. You interview the staff involved, analyze the workflow that led to the error, and begin drafting a corrective action plan to prevent recurrence.

Ready to Champion a Culture of Safety?

This vital career path protects your colleagues from the unseen dangers of their daily work, ensuring that those who care for patients are themselves cared for.

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