How to become a pharmacist in Idaho
Requirements for Idaho Pharmacist License
What are the requirements to become a pharmacist in Idaho?
The practice of pharmacology is regulated by the State of Idaho. This means that there is a state board that issues licenses to qualified individuals and regulates the profession. To practice as a pharmacist in Idaho, you must obtain a license from the Idaho Board of Pharmacy (IBP).
Applicants for licensure by examination must:
- Graduate from an approved pharmacy school
- Complete an application
- Complete a fingerprint based background check
- Complete 1,500 extern hours
- Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
- Pass the Multi-state Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE)
Applicants for licensure by reciprocity should contact the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
How do I become a licensed pharmacist in Idaho?
Applicants for initial licensure can get the Application for Pharmacist License from the Idaho Board of Pharmacy website. Send the completed application, fingerprint cards and fees (check or money order) to:
Idaho Board of Pharmacy
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0067
The application for reciprocal licensure is available on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website to pharmacists licensed in states other than Idaho. You must have a username and password to obtain the application. The NABP will assemble the applicant’s information into an application for reciprocity and send it to the applicant. Once the form is completed, the applicant can mail it to the board with the license fee. Once your application is approved by the ISBP, you must pass the MPJE.
How much does the pharmacist license cost?
The application for initial licensure: $100
Background check: $29.25
Controlled substance registration fee: $60
NAPLEX $485
MPJE $200
Application for reciprocal licensure: $250
Annual renewal fee: $90
Are there any continuing education requirements for Idaho pharmacists?
Pharmacists must complete fifteen hours of continuing education per year. Three of those hours must be from live programs.
What else do I need to know to start an Idaho pharmacy practice?
Pharmacy is heavily regulated, but the bureaucracy doesn’t have to be impossible to navigate.
Idaho requires pharmacies anyone who wants to operate, maintain, open, or establish a pharmacy to register with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy. Complete the Application for Pharmacy Registration and submit the form and $100 fee to the ISBP.
Idaho State Board of Pharmacy
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID
83720-0067
A pharmacy must also register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The New Application for Retail Pharmacy is available on the DEA website. You will be required to enter personal and business information as well as state license information. The registration is valid for three years and the application fee is $551.
DEA Registration for Idaho
400 2nd Ave W
Seattle WA 98119
(888) 219-4261
Does it matter what kind of business entity I form with the Secretary of State?
In addition to having your pharmacist and pharmacy licenses, you may want to form a business entity with the Idaho Secretary of State. Idaho does not require pharmacists to set up any one type of entity or indicate the type of service they perform in the business name. Business entities such as corporations and limited liability companies offer important benefits and liability protections for pharmacists.