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 pharmacy 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 State Board of Pharmacy (IBP).
Applicants for licensure by examination must:
- Graduate and receive a professional pharmacy degree (PharmD) from an accredited school or college of pharmacy.
- Complete an application through the Idaho Board of Pharmacy’s online licensing system.
- Submit a fingerprint-based background check as required by the Board.
- Submit a Certificate of Graduation completed by the pharmacy school.
- Create an Idaho AWARxE Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) account.
- Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), or arrange for an eligible NAPLEX score transfer to Idaho.
- Pay the applicable licensing fees.
Applicants who graduated from pharmacy schools outside the United States must meet additional requirements, including Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification and completion of at least 1,740 experiential hours.
Applicants for licensure by reciprocity (also called license transfer or endorsement) should complete the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP) application and submit an Idaho pharmacist license application. Applicants must also meet Idaho’s requirements for license transfer, fingerprinting, and PDMP registration.
How do I become a licensed pharmacist in Idaho?
Applicants for initial licensure can apply for a Pharmacist License through the Idaho Board of Pharmacy website. Applications are submitted through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) online licensing system.
Applicants must submit the completed application, required documentation, fingerprint-based background check, and applicable licensing fees. They must also establish an Idaho AWARxE Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) account.
For documents submitted by mail, use the following address:
Idaho State Board of Pharmacy
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0063
The application for reciprocal licensure (also called licensure by license transfer) is available through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP). Pharmacists licensed in other states must create an NABP e-Profile account to access the application.
The NABP will transmit the applicant’s information to the Idaho Board of Pharmacy. Applicants must also complete Idaho’s licensing application and meet the state’s documentation, fingerprinting, and fee requirements.
Idaho does not require pharmacists applying by license transfer to pass the MPJE.
How much does the pharmacist license cost?
The cost of obtaining a pharmacist license in Idaho depends on the type of application.
Initial licensure by examination:
- Pharmacist license application: $220
- Background check: $32
- NAPLEX eligibility application: $100
- NABP eligibility processing fee: $85
- NAPLEX examination: $520
Licensure by reciprocity (license transfer):
- Idaho pharmacist license application: $220
- Background check: $32
- NABP Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (eLTP) application: $300
- NABP license transfer fee for Idaho: $100
License renewal fees:
- Annual renewal: $110
- Biennial renewal: $220
Idaho does not require the MPJE for pharmacist licensure. Examination and application fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify current costs with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy and NABP before applying.
Are there any continuing education requirements for Idaho pharmacists?
Idaho pharmacists must maintain their professional competency through continuing education (CE) relevant to their pharmacy practice. However, Idaho no longer requires a specific number of continuing education hours or a minimum number of live program hours.
When renewing their licenses, pharmacists must attest that they have maintained their professional competence through continuing education appropriate to their practice setting.
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 anyone who wants to operate, maintain, open, or establish a pharmacy to register with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy. Applicants must complete the pharmacy registration application through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) online licensing system and pay the applicable fee.
The current application fee for a resident drug outlet (pharmacy) is $85.
Idaho State Board of Pharmacy
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0067
A pharmacy that dispenses controlled substances must also register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The New Application for Retail Pharmacy (DEA Form 224) is available through the DEA website. Applicants must provide personal and business information, along with their state pharmacy license information.
DEA pharmacy registration is valid for three years and must be renewed before expiration. The current registration fee is $888.
DEA Registration for Idaho
Idaho DEA Registration Technician:
Phone: 1-571-387-2800
Email: [email protected]
Applications are submitted online through the DEA Diversion Control Division.
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.