Thinking about joining a professional pharmacy association? Beyond free publications, networking and leadership opportunities -- all standard benefits of association membership -- these groups can offer valuable, career-specific information.

No matter what your specialty, there's likely an association for it. Consider the following organizations in your quest for career resources:

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)

This organization represents the interests of pharmacy education and educators.

• Member benefits include: Educational opportunities and eligibility for prestigious industry awards.
• Fees: Annual dues are $100.

American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

This professional and scientific society is for practitioners, scientists, educators, administrators, students, residents, fellows and others committed to excellence in clinical pharmacy and patient pharmacotherapy.

• Member benefits include: The ability to tap into Practice and Research Networks, research forums, and home and online educational opportunities.
• Fees: Annual membership dues are $185 for practitioners and $65 for students, residents or fellows.

American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP)

This organization supports independent pharmacists who serve veterinarians.

• Member benefits include: Access to the Research & Education Resource Center, which is home to the ACVP National Training Center. The Center provides technical and professional information to help pharmacists develop and strengthen their practices.
• Fees: $2,995 to join; annual dues are $500 thereafter.

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)

This professional society is for pharmacists working in managed healthcare environments.

• Member benefits include: Continuing education, conference discounts, residency programs and access to an online career center.
• Fees: Professional annual membership fees are from $225 to $425. Resident and student fees range from $35 to $75 annually.

Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists (ANMP)

This professional organization serves pharmacists and those interested in the field of natural medicine.

• Member benefits include: Online continuing-education programs and an online newsletter. Corporate members can submit one product for approval in the Virtual Natural Medicine Trade Show.
• Fees: Corporate membership costs $1,000 annually. Students can join for $20..

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The APhA is the largest professional pharmacists' association in the US. Its more than 50,000 members include pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession.

• Member benefits include: Drug information resources, continuing education and other educational programs, professional and career development, employment resources, and financial and insurance products.
• Fees: Annual dues range from $55 for residents and pharmacy technicians to $210 for pharmacists.

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)

The ASCP is the international professional association for pharmacists who treat mainly older patients.

• Member benefits include: Special credentialing opportunities, online conference rooms, legislative updates, videotapes, software and other specialized tools.
• Fees: Professional annual membership dues range from $50 to $195. Student dues are $40.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

This group represents pharmacists who practice in hospitals, HMOs, long-term care facilities, home care and elsewhere in the healthcare system.

• Member benefits include: Online continuing education, access to an email news service and the ability to join ASHP practice-niche subsections.
• Fees: Annual membership dues range from $30 for students to $215 for practitioners.

International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)

• This international federation of national pharmaceutical associations represents pharmaceutical practitioners and scientists.
• Member benefits include: Access to continuing education, working groups, discussion groups and regional forums. Part of the FIP, the Young Pharmacists Group gives provides opportunities for pharmacy graduates to make an impact on the global pharmaceutical scene.
• Fees: Individual membership fees are based on country of residence.

National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)

Billing itself as "the voice of the community pharmacist," the NCPA advances the interests of community pharmacists and their patients on Capitol Hill.

• Member benefits include: Access to an Internet portal for educational, business and patient-care resources. To expand and strengthen their businesses, members can access the tools, training and professional services offered through the group's Management Institute.
• Fees: Annual membership dues are $245 for practicing pharmacists, $75 for pharmacy technicians and $25 for students.

Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP)

The SIDP is an association of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals dedicated to promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials.

• Member benefits include: The chance to work with government agencies on decision-making committees and collaborate with other healthcare organizations, such as the American Society for Microbiology. The SIDP also awards research grants.
• Fees: Annual dues are $35 for professionals and $25 for students.