Becoming a pharmacist is a process governed by strict educational and licensing standards. These healthcare professionals are entrusted with significant responsibility for patient health, and the path to practice reflects this. Entry into the profession requires more than a university education; it involves a series of credentials designed to verify a candidate’s knowledge and ensure they are competent to handle medications and provide patient care safely.
Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree
The first requirement for any aspiring pharmacist is the successful completion of a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. This degree is the foundational educational credential upon which all licensure and certifications are built. Before an individual can take the required licensing examinations, they must have graduated from an accredited pharmacy program that provides the scientific and clinical knowledge for modern practice.
A Pharm.D. program is a four-year post-graduate course of study. The curriculum covers a wide array of advanced topics, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and therapeutics. Students also receive extensive training in patient care, medication therapy management, and the complex legal and ethical standards of the profession. A significant portion of the program involves hands-on clinical rotations, where students gain practical experience in various settings like hospitals, community pharmacies, and specialized clinics.
For a degree to be recognized for licensure purposes, it must be granted by a school or college of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). ACPE accreditation signifies that the program has met high standards for quality and prepares graduates for the profession’s demands. This accreditation is a prerequisite for state boards of pharmacy when considering a candidate’s eligibility for licensure.
Obtain State Licensure
After earning a Pharm.D. degree, the next step is to obtain a license to practice, which is granted by the pharmacy board of the specific state where one intends to work. While requirements can have minor variations between states, the process is largely standardized and centered on passing two national examinations. The state board reviews the applicant’s educational background, requires a criminal background check, and confirms they have met all prerequisites before granting authorization to sit for the exams.
North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination
The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is a comprehensive test that assesses a candidate’s grasp of general pharmacy practice knowledge and their ability to apply clinical skills. It is designed to evaluate whether a new pharmacist has the competence to practice safely and effectively from their first day on the job. The exam focuses on pharmacotherapy and therapeutic outcomes, covering topics such as assessing patient information, identifying drug characteristics, and developing treatment plans. Passing the NAPLEX is a requirement for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination
The second required test is the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), which evaluates a candidate’s understanding of the laws and regulations governing the profession. This exam ensures that practitioners are well-versed in both federal and state-specific rules on topics like dispensing prescriptions and handling controlled substances. The MPJE is a state-specific exam, with questions tailored to the laws of the state in which the candidate seeks licensure. A few states, such as California and Arkansas, administer their own law exam instead of the MPJE.
Pursue Post-Graduate Board Certifications
Beyond the license required to practice, many pharmacists pursue optional board certifications to signify advanced expertise in a specialized area of pharmacy. These credentials are not necessary for general practice but are sought by those looking to advance their careers, take on specialized clinical roles, or work in academic and research settings. This demonstrates a commitment to a higher level of patient care.
The primary organization overseeing these credentials is the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). The BPS offers certification in numerous practice areas, each with its own eligibility requirements and an examination. To become board-certified, a pharmacist needs several years of practice experience in their chosen specialty or to complete a post-graduate residency program.
These certifications allow pharmacists to be formally recognized for their focused knowledge and validate their advanced skills to employers, colleagues, and patients. Examples of BPS certifications include:
- Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)
- Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)
- Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP)
- Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)
- Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP)
Complete Additional Required Certifications
In addition to licensure and optional specializations, pharmacists often need other certifications based on their specific job responsibilities or employer policies. These function-specific credentials authorize a pharmacist to perform certain tasks common in modern practice. Unlike the broad knowledge tested by licensure exams, these certifications are focused on discrete skills.
One of the most common examples is an immunization delivery certification. This training allows pharmacists to administer vaccines for influenza, pneumonia, and other preventable diseases, a service now offered at most community pharmacies. The program involves education on vaccine protocols, injection techniques, and managing adverse reactions. Many employers also require pharmacists to maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification.
These certifications are obtained through programs approved by professional organizations. They are often a condition of employment for patient-facing roles, ensuring pharmacists are prepared to provide a wider range of clinical services. These credentials complement the pharmacist’s core knowledge and adapt their skill set to the evolving needs of the healthcare system.
Maintain Your Credentials with Continuing Education
Obtaining a pharmacist license and other certifications is not a one-time event; it marks the beginning of a career-long commitment to professional development. To maintain their credentials, pharmacists are required to participate in Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE). This system ensures that practitioners stay current with the latest medical advancements, new drugs, and changes in laws.
State boards of pharmacy mandate a specific number of CPE hours that must be completed for license renewal, which is required every two years. The exact number of hours and the specific topics required can vary by state. For example, a state board might require that a portion of CPE hours be focused on subjects like patient safety, pharmacy law, or pain management.
This ongoing educational requirement is a continuous professional responsibility. Pharmacists fulfill their CPE requirements by attending seminars, completing online courses, or participating in other approved educational activities. Likewise, specialty certifications from the BPS also have their own continuing education and recertification requirements to ensure that specialists remain experts in their field.