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

Missouri's healthcare landscape is anchored by major academic medical centers and large multi-state health systems centered in St. Louis and Kansas City, creating strong demand for clinical and retail pharmacists across the state. Graduates of Missouri's pharmacy programs and those relocating from other states benefit from a straightforward licensure process and competitive salaries.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Missouri pharmacist licensure requires a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program, 1,500 intern hours completed under a licensed preceptor, a passing NAPLEX score, and a passing MPJE score that includes Missouri law content. The Missouri Board of Pharmacy, administered through the Division of Professional Registration, oversees applications and background screening.

Step-by-Step: Missouri Pharmacist License Process

1. Create NABP e-Profile — Register at nabp.pharmacy ($35 fee). This single account manages all national pharmacy credentials, license verifications, and exam registrations throughout your career.
2. Apply for NAPLEX Authorization — Pay $695 and submit the application through your NABP account. Your pharmacy school submits transcripts directly to NABP. ATT letters arrive within 2-4 weeks of complete documentation.
3. Apply for MPJE Authorization — Pay ~$150 and submit the MPJE application. The MO Board reviews your eligibility and notifies NABP to release your ATT.
4. Apply to the MO Board of Pharmacy — Complete the application through Missouri's Division of Professional Registration portal. Submit official sealed transcripts, intern hour documentation signed by licensed preceptors, and the ~$100 licensure fee.
5. Complete the Background Check — Fingerprint submission through the Missouri State Highway Patrol costs approximately $50-75. Disclose all prior convictions; the Board evaluates each case individually.
6. Pass the NAPLEX — Schedule at a Pearson VUE center once your ATT is issued. A scaled score of 75 passes. Candidates may retake after 45 days if they do not pass on the first attempt.
7. Pass the MPJE — Missouri's MPJE covers federal pharmacy law (approximately 57%) and Missouri-specific statutes including the Missouri Pharmacy Act and related regulations (approximately 43%). A score of 75 passes.
8. Receive License and Register with DEA — After approval by the MO Board, your license number is issued. Complete DEA registration at deadiversion.usdoj.gov ($888 per 3-year cycle) before dispensing Schedule II-V substances.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX	$695
MPJE	~$150
MO Board Application	~$100
Background Check	~$50-75
Total Estimated	~$1,030-1,055

Most applicants receive their license within 8-12 weeks of graduation when all materials are submitted without delay.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Missouri accepts NABP Score Transfer for candidates who passed the NAPLEX in another state within the prior 90 days. Pay the $50 transfer fee and your score is forwarded to the MO Board electronically. The Missouri MPJE is still required regardless of prior MPJE history in another state.

DEA Registration

Missouri pharmacists handling controlled substances must obtain a DEA registration. Apply online at deadiversion.usdoj.gov after your state license is issued. The fee is $888 per 3-year registration period. Missouri also maintains a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) called the Missouri Prescription Drug Monitoring Program; check with your employer for enrollment and reporting obligations.

Continuing Education

Missouri pharmacists must complete 30 hours of ACPE-accredited continuing pharmacy education per two-year renewal cycle. At least 1 hour must cover medication therapy management or patient counseling. The MO Board requires licensees to attest to CE completion at renewal; certificates must be retained for 4 years and may be audited.

Top Missouri Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• BJC HealthCare — One of the largest non-profit health organizations in the country, headquartered in St. Louis; Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a major employer of clinical pharmacists across all specialties.
• SSM Health Missouri — Multi-hospital Catholic health system operating throughout Missouri and neighboring states; significant ambulatory and specialty pharmacy footprint.
• Mercy Health Missouri — Large regional health system with hospitals in St. Louis, Springfield, and Joplin; strong clinical pharmacy residency programs.
• University of Missouri Health Care — Columbia-based academic medical center with expanding clinical pharmacy and pharmacy residency programs.
• Retail Pharmacy — CVS, Walgreens, Schnucks Pharmacy, and Dierbergs Markets pharmacy locations distributed across Kansas City, St. Louis, and statewide communities.

Pharmacist Salary in Missouri (2026)

• Staff Pharmacist (retail/hospital): $115,000-$127,000/year
• Clinical Pharmacist (hospital/health system): $122,000-$135,000/year
• Pharmacy Manager: $130,000-$140,000/year
• Specialty Pharmacist: $128,000-$140,000/year

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