New York State law requires individuals meet certain requirements before they can call themselves a pharmacist. These requirements include the applicant hold a license as well as have good moral character. Additional requirements include:
- Education. A candidate must have completed a pharmacy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This generally requires the holding of a bachelor’s degree or higher. New York State’s Office of the Professions provides additional information on exceptions.
- Examination. New York also requires the applicant pass the pharmacist licensing exam series. This exam is a three-part test and the applicant must pass each portion. These parts do not need to be completed in one sitting. The applicant can take up to five years to finish all three exams. The parts are the North American Pharmacist Licensing Exam, the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam and the Written and Practical.
- Experience. Special requirements are present for those who need to complete an internship in New York. This includes receiving a special Limited (Intern) Permit. Applicants that have received a license in another state may be able to transfer this license to New York. This generally requires completion of an application and submission of a letter from a previous employer to serve as written verification of 12 months of previous employment of the licensed practice of pharmacy as well as passage of Part II – Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam.
Those who are going through the process can benefit from legal counsel. An attorney experienced in the initial licensing process can discuss the procedure and provide guidance throughout the process.
