Steps to Becoming a Licensed Pharmacist in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacist in the United States? Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, dispensing medications, providing patient counseling, and offering valuable guidance on various health-related matters. In addition to their role in medication management, pharmacists contribute to improved patient outcomes, medication adherence, and preventive care. This comprehensive guide outlines the educational pathway for foreign graduates seeking a pharmacist license in the US.

1. Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination (FPGEE)

• To begin your journey, you must take the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination (FPGEE). This exam assesses the equivalency of your foreign pharmacy education to that of US-educated pharmacists. To apply for the FPGEE, you will need to have your foreign degree evaluated by an authorized organization. Most evaluators require your pharmacy school to directly mail a copy of your degree and other credentials. 
• Alternatively, you can mail these documents with an intact seal verifying that they haven't been opened. The FPGEE, offered once a year, consists of 200 questions, including multiple-choice and other formats. For more information and registration, refer to the FPGEE bulletin.

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2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English language exam that evaluates your reading, writing, and speaking skills. However, note that for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to accept your TOEFL scores, you can only take the exam in the US, US territories, Australia, New Zealand, or most of Canada.
• It's important to mention that Steps 1 and 2 can be completed interchangeably, allowing flexibility in the order of completion. Once you have both FPGEE and TOEFL scores, you are eligible to apply for an intern or intern pharmacist license in California. The process of completing Steps 1 and 2 usually takes around six to eight months.

3. Internship (1,500 Hours)

• It requires patience as you embark on a 1,500-hour internship. At this stage, you must hold an intern pharmacist license and have a visa that permits employment since the internship is considered work. The internship requirements vary across different states, but most of America mandates 1,500 hours.
• An intern pharmacist can perform most tasks that a licensed pharmacist can, except for the final check. In California, for example, you are required to complete part of the internship in a community setting, such as a retail pharmacy, and the other part in an institutional setting, like a hospital pharmacy or a sterile compounding pharmacy. Upon completing the required hours, you can apply for the NAPLEX and CPJE exams.

4. NAPLEX and MPJE/CPJE Exams

• The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is a comprehensive pharmacy exam that assesses your knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice. The NAPLEX has 250 questions, and since November 2016, the questions are more clinical and scenario-based.
• You will encounter patient scenarios accompanied by medical history, and you'll need to apply your clinical judgment to answer these questions accurately. You are allowed a maximum of five attempts to pass the NAPLEX, and after a failed attempt, you must wait 45 days before your next attempt. You can register for the NAPLEX on the NABP website.
• Additionally, you need to take the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) or the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacists (CPJE) if you are in California. The MPJE focuses on pharmacy law and regulations and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 75.
• In California, the CPJE has 90 multiple-choice questions. Once you have successfully passed the NAPLEX and MPJE/CPJE, you can apply for your pharmacist license and embark on an exciting and rewarding career as a pharmacist.

Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacist in the US offers numerous opportunities for growth, learning, and making a positive impact on the community. With a well-rewarded career, both financially and socially, pharmacists enjoy the satisfaction of helping individuals with their health and pharmacy needs. If you are a foreign graduate, following the outlined steps will set you on the path to obtaining a pharmacist license in the US. For more information and specific requirements, please consult the relevant regulatory boards and organizations.

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