Pharmacist License in Maryland 2026: NAPLEX, MPJE, Board Requirements

Maryland is home to some of the most prestigious academic medical institutions in the world, including Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical System, creating elite clinical pharmacy career opportunities in the Baltimore-DC corridor.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Maryland

All pharmacists licensed in Maryland must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the MPJE jurisprudence examination. The Maryland Board of Pharmacy requires 1,500 verified intern hours and processes applications through its online portal under the Maryland Department of Health.

Step-by-Step: Maryland Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile — Register at nabp.pharmacy ($35). Maryland uses NABP to verify exam eligibility and receive official score reports for licensure processing.
2. Complete 1,500 intern hours — Supervised hours under a Maryland-licensed preceptor in hospital, retail, ambulatory, or specialty pharmacy settings. Your PharmD program certifies hours and submits them via NABP.
3. Pass the NAPLEX — Register through NABP ($695). The adaptive exam evaluates competency in drug therapy, pharmaceutical calculations, and patient care. Minimum score: 75.
4. Pass the MPJE — Register through NABP (~$150). The Maryland MPJE covers Maryland Health Occupations Article Title 12 (Pharmacists), Maryland Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, and federal DEA regulations.
5. Submit the Maryland Board application — Apply through the Maryland Board of Pharmacy online portal. Pay the ~$165 fee. Upload official transcripts from your PharmD program, NABP exam scores, and certified intern hour documentation.
6. Complete a background check — Fingerprint-based background screening through the Maryland State Police CJIS Division or an approved vendor (~$50-75). Results are sent directly to the Board.
7. Receive your Maryland pharmacist license — The Maryland Board issues licenses within 2-4 weeks of receiving a complete and accurate application. Licenses renew May 31 on a biennial schedule.
8. Register with the DEA — After licensure, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years). Maryland pharmacists must query the Maryland PDMP before dispensing opioids and other Schedule II-IV controlled substances.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX	$695
MPJE	~$150
Maryland Board application	~$165
Background check	~$50-75
Total estimated	~$1,095-1,120

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Maryland accepts NABP score transfers for pharmacists currently licensed in another state. Submit your transfer request through your NABP e-Profile ($50 fee). Scores must be within 3 years of the transfer date. You must still pass the Maryland MPJE to complete licensure in Maryland.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Maryland pharmacist license, apply for DEA registration (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense controlled substances. Maryland pharmacists must check the Maryland PDMP before dispensing opioids and other high-risk controlled substances. Maryland is part of the PMP InterConnect network, allowing cross-state PMP queries for patients who may fill at pharmacies in neighboring states.

Continuing Education Requirements

Maryland requires 30 contact hours of ACPE-accredited CE per biennial renewal period. Pharmacists must complete at least 1 hour on pharmacy ethics, 1 hour on patient safety, and 1 hour covering the Maryland Pharmacy Act updates. CE is documented through CPE Monitor and audited by the Board on a random basis.

Top Maryland Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• Johns Hopkins Medicine: World-renowned academic medical center in Baltimore with clinical pharmacy specialist, oncology, critical care, and ambulatory pharmacy roles plus highly competitive pharmacy residency programs.
• University of Maryland Medical System: Multi-site academic system centered in Baltimore with clinical pharmacist, specialty pharmacy, and faculty practice positions.
• MedStar Health: Largest healthcare provider in Maryland/DC with pharmacist openings across 10 hospitals in Baltimore and Washington suburbs.
• Luminis Health (Anne Arundel Medical Center): Annapolis-based system with hospital and ambulatory pharmacist openings serving the Baltimore-Annapolis corridor.
• Holy Cross Health (Trinity Health): Silver Spring-based Catholic system with pharmacist openings in suburban Maryland hospitals.

Pharmacist Salary in Maryland (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $130,000-$143,000
• Clinical pharmacist: $138,000-$150,000
• Pharmacy manager: $146,000-$158,000

Related: Pharmacist Salary Guide 2026, Hospital vs Retail Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist Salary Guide, Florida Pharmacist License Guide.