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

Oregon has one of the most dynamic pharmacy practice environments in the Pacific Northwest, with pharmacists playing expanded roles in direct patient care, clinical consultation, and specialty pharmacy. Oregon was among the first states to allow pharmacists to prescribe certain medications (including hormonal contraceptives and naloxone) under collaborative practice agreements, offering unique career development opportunities. Combined with Oregon's well-known quality of life, no state sales tax, and competitive salaries, the state attracts pharmacists from across the country.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Oregon

Oregon requires a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited school, 1,500 hours of Board-approved pharmacy internship (under a licensed pharmacist), and passing scores on both the NAPLEX and the Oregon MPJE. Applications are submitted to the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. Students completing internship hours in Oregon must first register as pharmacy interns with the Board, even if enrolled at an out-of-state institution.

Step-by-Step: Oregon Pharmacist License Process

1. Create NABP e-Profile — Register at nabp.pharmacy ($35). This is required for all national exam registrations.
2. Register as Oregon Pharmacy Intern — If your internship hours will be logged in Oregon, register as a pharmacy intern with the Oregon Board before beginning supervised practice.
3. Apply to the Oregon Board of Pharmacy — Submit your application with the ~$165 fee, official transcripts, and certified intern hour records.
4. Verify 1,500 Intern Hours — All hours must be under an Oregon-licensed pharmacist and certified before your application is reviewed.
5. Pass the NAPLEX — Register through NABP ($695) and schedule at a Pearson VUE testing center. Pass score is 75.
6. Pass the MPJE — Register for the Oregon MPJE through NABP (~$150). A passing score of 75 is required. Oregon law questions cover the Oregon Pharmacy Act and Board rules.
7. Complete Background Check — Submit fingerprints through the Board-approved vendor (~$50-75) for Oregon state criminal history verification.
8. Receive Your License and Register for DEA — Board processing takes 2-4 weeks. After receiving your license, apply for DEA registration (~$888/3 years) if your role requires controlled substance handling.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX exam	$695
MPJE exam (OR)	~$150
OR state application fee	~$165
Background check	~$50-75
Estimated total	~$1,095-1,120

The licensing process typically takes 8-12 weeks from graduation when all materials are submitted together without delays.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Oregon accepts NAPLEX score transfers from pharmacists who have been actively licensed in another state for at least one year. Requests are processed through NABP. You must still pass the Oregon-specific MPJE to receive an Oregon license. Contact the Oregon Board of Pharmacy to confirm current score transfer policies and procedures.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Oregon pharmacist license, register with the DEA if your practice involves Schedule II-V controlled substances. The registration fee is approximately $888 for 3 years. Oregon pharmacists who prescribe under collaborative practice agreements (for contraception, naloxone, tobacco cessation, etc.) may also need to confirm DEA registration requirements with their collaborative physician.

Continuing Education

Oregon pharmacists must complete 30 hours of ACPE-accredited CE per 2-year renewal cycle, with at least 1 hour covering pain management or end-of-life care. Given Oregon's progressive drug policy landscape and its expanded pharmacist prescribing authority, many Oregon pharmacists voluntarily pursue CE in clinical services, point-of-care testing, and immunizations. Licenses renew biennially on the pharmacist's birth month.

Top Oregon Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• Providence Health (Oregon) — One of the largest hospital systems in the Pacific Northwest, with multiple Portland-area hospitals and outpatient clinics; actively hires staff, clinical, and specialty pharmacists.
• Legacy Health — Portland-based nonprofit health system with six hospitals and extensive outpatient networks; known for strong clinical pharmacy programs.
• OHSU Health (Oregon Health and Science University) — Academic medical center in Portland offering pharmacist positions in highly specialized areas including oncology, transplant, pediatrics, and clinical research.
• PeaceHealth — Operates hospitals in Eugene (Sacred Heart) and other Oregon communities; offers acute care and outpatient pharmacy positions.
• Moda Health / independent pharmacy networks — Oregon has a strong independent and specialty pharmacy market in Portland and Eugene.

Pharmacist Salary in Oregon (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/community): $128,000-$138,000/year
• Clinical pharmacist (hospital): $135,000-$150,000/year
• Pharmacy manager: $145,000-$158,000/year

Oregon has no state sales tax, which increases purchasing power. Portland and other metro areas have higher costs of living than the national average, but pharmacist compensation is calibrated accordingly. Rural Oregon positions often include loan repayment incentives that substantially boost total compensation.

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