Application Process Transparency - Pharmacist License

It shall be unlawful for any individual to engage in the practice of pharmacy unless currently licensed or registered to practice. All applicants for pharmacist license must be at least twenty-one years of age and be of good moral character and temperate habits. 

Examinations:

Applicants must successfully pass the required examination(s) prior to submitting an Application for New Louisiana Pharmacist License.

Successful completion of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination for Louisiana (MPJE-La) is required for applicants applying by examination. Applicants pursuing licensure through license transfer are not required to retake the NAPLEX.

You may register for either exam through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) who will confirm the applicants eligibilty to test.

License transfer applicants should complete the NABP Official Application for License Transfer prior to submitting the Application for New Louisiana Pharmacist License but after successful completion of the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination for Louisiana (MPJE-La).

Proceed to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Website to register for an exam or begin your license transfer application.

Fees:  

Examination / Score transfer - $300.00

License transfer - $450.00

Application: Application for New Pharmacist License is available by electronic format. You may also request a paper application by emailing licensing@pharmacy.la.gov 

Preview electronic application

Age Requirement: 21

Required Attachments (Checklist):

• Proof of Identity - Birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Social Security Card. Legal documents for any name changes that have occurred.
• Photo. Passport style (head and shoulders only) photograph of the applicant.
• Form 33 & Verifications - Applicants that have ever held a professional credential issued by another jurisdiction are required to complete 033 ~ Professional Credentials Disclosure Form . For each license listed, verification of licensure in another jurisdiction is required. 
• Prior Actions - If the applicant provided an affirmative response to any questions regarding prior actions:
• Letter of explanation.
• Certified copies of documents from relevant court or government agency.
• Electronic Business Request - Statement attesting that it is the applicants wish to conduct electronic business with the Board. This statement can be written or typed but must be signed by the applicant.
• Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Experience - hours earned in Louisiana with a valid intern registration or hours of experience earned in other jurisdictions using the form supplied by the Board. Affidavit for documenting experience earned..

Criminal Background Check:  The board will supply the applicant with information necessary to perform a criminal background check (CBC) with the Louisiana State Police (LSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  The CBC will be waived for applicants that have previously completed the requirement through this agency. 

Criminal history may be used as a basis for denial. All factors outlined in LA:R.S. 37:2950 shall be considered.

Board Review:  

• License Transfer - Application through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). This application will serve as evidence that the education and experience requirements have been met.
• Education - The Board will verify educational requirements have been met through NABP.
• A professional pharmacy degree awarded by a school or college of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is required.
• Foreign pharmacy graduate shall hold a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certificate.
• Experience - The Board will grant credit of the required 1,740 hours upon verification that the applicant has graduated from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy. Hours submitted outside of the College of Pharmacy will be reviewed to assure they were earned in compliance wih Board rule. 
• Examination - Successful completion of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination for Louisiana (MPJE-La). Applicants pursuing licensure through license transfer are not required to retake the NAPLEX.
• A review of prior actions and criminal history, is completed when all documents have been received and payment processed.

Issuance: In the event that there are no matters preventing the immediate issuance, the board will issue the credential within fourteen business days of the final requirement being fulfilled.

Start the application process.

Inquiries regarding the pharmacist licensing process may be submitted to:

Wendy Boysha, Licensing Analyst wboysha@pharmacy.la.gov

Teresa Powell, Licensing Analyst tpowell@pharmacy.la.gov