Careers
Burn Unit Pharmacists
Burn unit pharmacists specialize in the complex medication needs of burn patients — from pain management and infection control to nutrition support and specialized formulations. As part of the interdisciplinary burn care team, they help optimize treatment plans and improve patient safety.
Explore Membership
Typical Work Environments
Hospital burn centers (often ABA-verified)
Trauma and critical care units
Academic medical centers
Research institutions specializing in burn treatment
Key Responsibilities
Select and adjust medications and dosing for burn patients
Monitor for drug interactions and side effects
Prepare specialized formulations (e.g., topical and IV meds)
Support pain management strategies
Guide infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship
Manage nutrition support (parenteral nutrition)
Educate patients, families, and care teams on medications
What Makes a Successful Burn Unit Pharmacist?
Attention to detail, adaptability, and clear communication are critical. Burn pharmacists must combine clinical expertise with compassion, ensuring complex medication plans align with each patient’s recovery journey.
Essential Certifications for Burn Unit Pharmacists
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
State licensure as a pharmacist
Completion of a Post-Graduate Year One (PGY-1) pharmacy residency (often followed by a PGY-2 in critical care or trauma)
Advanced Burn Life Support® (ABLS) certification (recommended)
Ongoing continuing education in pain, infectious disease, and nutrition support
Learn More About ABLS Certification
Working in burn care pharmacy is about more than managing medications; it’s about collaborating with a team to help each patient heal, every step of the way. Through the ABA, I’ve gained access to specialized education and a network of colleagues who share the same commitment to advancing care for burn survivors.