Patient Educator, Central

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.

Role Overview

As a Patient Educator, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to empower patients and caregivers navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis (PDP). In this vital role, you’ll deliver compassionate, clear, and actionable disease state education, helping individuals understand their condition and explore treatment options, including NUPLAZID®. You’ll serve as a trusted guide during early patient engagement, bridging the gap between diagnosis and ongoing support. By ensuring a smooth transition to ACADIA Connect and Patient Access Managers (PAMs), you’ll help patients access the resources they need for coverage, affordability, and long-term treatment adherence.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Caregiver Support

• Deliver pre-prescription (pre-NBRx) disease state education to patients and caregivers via small group meetings and presentations to advocacy groups, community-based organizations, and professional societies.
• Provide information regarding product efficacy, safety, and access support available through ACADIA Connect to patients and/or caregivers who have opted in through various programs.
• Offer approved educational resources helping patients and caregivers understand their disease and empower them to talk to their doctor about PDP.
• Distribute approved educational materials to enhance patient and caregiver awareness of PDP and potential treatment with NUPLAZID®.
• Build trusting relationships to ensure patients and caregivers feel supported throughout their journey.

Access and Coverage Coordination

• Collaborate with Patient Access Managers (PAMs) to address patient or caregiver questions related to coverage, reimbursement, and affordability.
• Facilitate the referral and transition process for patients into ACADIA Connect for comprehensive access assistance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner primarily with Neurology Sales Specialists and Long-Term Care Sales Specialists to ensure community-based healthcare providers are aware of Patient Educator resources provided by ACADIA.
• Respond to inquiries generated through patients/caregivers, key customers, community organizations, and/or advocacy events.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations, advocacy organizations, and professional societies to support patient and caregiver education programs.

Education and Program Enhancement

• Provide feedback and insights to the marketing team to improve patient engagement and educational initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, psychology, or a related healthcare field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in pharma with preferred candidates having experience in patient education, patient navigation, advocacy, or pharmaceutical patient support services.
• Knowledge of neurology, psychiatry, or movement disorders preferred, experience with Parkinson’s Disease or PDP strongly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to build empathetic and supportive relationships with patients and caregivers.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Experience collaborating across marketing, patient support services, advocacy, and field-based teams.
• Familiarity with compliance standards for patient-facing pharmaceutical roles.
• Ability to meet travel requirements, including driving and overnight stays; air travel as needed.

Competencies:

• Patient-Centered Focus: Dedicated to improving patient and caregiver experiences.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Skilled at providing compassionate support.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively across functions and with external partners.
• Strong Communication: Clear and effective educator with patients, caregivers, and internal teams.
• Adaptability and Initiative: Proactive in meeting evolving patient needs.
• Privacy, Compliance and Confidentiality: Consistently safeguards patient health information and adheres to company compliance and privacy standards; exercises discretion in all patient and caregiver interactions.

Compensation and Benefits:

In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Salary Range: $109,500 — $136,900 USD

What we offer US-based Employees:

• Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
• 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
• 15+ vacation days
• 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
• 10 days of paid sick time
• Paid parental leave benefit
• Tuition assistance