Dr. MaryBeth Acosta, PharmD, BCNP
Dr. MaryBeth Acosta, PharmD, BCNP is a Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist and trusted radiopharmaceutical operations leader, dedicated to advancing patient access to high-quality nuclear medicine. As Business Unit Manager and Radiation Safety Officer for RLS Radiopharmacies, she directs regional business operations, ensures rigorous radiation safety compliance, and drives clinical and operational excellence within one of the nation’s leading radiopharmacy networks.
Dr. Acosta entered the field of nuclear pharmacy after building a strong, well-rounded foundation across multiple pharmacy practice environments. She previously served as a Clinical Pharmacist in acute care settings at Hill Regional Hospital and Crescent Medical Center, where she managed medication verification, clinical monitoring, sterile compounding, and pharmacy technology oversight. Her extensive experience spans retail, relief, and Pharmacist-in-Charge roles, managing high-volume dispensing operations, immunization services, and technician training while maintaining strict adherence to both USP <795> and USP <797> standards.
Her early training with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs solidified her expertise in inpatient and outpatient operations, inventory management, crash cart support, and patient counseling for vulnerable populations. Since transitioning into nuclear pharmacy at RLS in 2021, she has expanded her technical and leadership portfolio, ultimately stepping into business operations and regulatory responsibilities to support the safe production and delivery of radiopharmaceuticals.
Dr. Acosta is a published contributor in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association and has collaborated with public health officials to develop emergency preparation materials related to pediatric medication safety. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from East Central University.
As an advocate for nuclear medicine growth and supply chain resilience, Dr. Acosta remains deeply invested in strengthening domestic radiopharmaceutical production and ensuring patients nationwide continue to access lifesaving diagnostic and therapeutic care.
• Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist - 2025
• Sterile Products (IV) Certification - 2020
• Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist - 2019
• Compounding Certification - 2017
• Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery - 2017
• East Central University
- BS, Chemistry
• University of Oklahoma - PharmD
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my support system. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have been invaluable throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that experience is what you have after you need it. Every challenge has taught me lessons that shape who I am today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: don’t change who you are to satisfy someone else. Stay true to yourself, and your authenticity will guide your path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities in this field are vast, but one challenge is finding the right people to work in it. Recruiting and retaining talent remains a key hurdle.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is the most important thing to me. They are my foundation and the reason I strive to do my best in every aspect of life.