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

Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation's most prestigious academic medical centers and one of the densest concentrations of healthcare institutions in the country. From the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in western Pennsylvania to Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, the state offers pharmacists extraordinary diversity of practice settings and career advancement opportunities. Pennsylvania also has a large and active pharmaceutical industry corridor, creating additional career paths in industry pharmacy for PharmD graduates.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania pharmacist licensure is administered by the State Board of Pharmacy, which operates under the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA). Requirements include a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited institution, 1,500 hours of Board-registered pharmacy internship, and passing scores on both the NAPLEX and the Pennsylvania MPJE. Pennsylvania pharmacy interns must be registered with the Board if completing intern hours in the state.

Step-by-Step: Pennsylvania Pharmacist License Process

1. Create NABP e-Profile — Register at nabp.pharmacy ($35). All national pharmacy exam scheduling flows through NABP.
2. Apply to PA Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs — Complete the online application for the State Board of Pharmacy. Submit the ~$135 fee, official PharmD transcripts, and certified intern hour documentation.
3. Verify 1,500 Intern Hours — All hours must be certified by your supervising pharmacist and submitted to the Board. Internship registration with the Board is required for in-state hours.
4. Pass the NAPLEX — Register through NABP ($695). Schedule at a Pearson VUE location. A minimum score of 75 is required to pass.
5. Pass the MPJE — Register for the Pennsylvania MPJE (~$150). The exam tests both federal pharmacy law and Pennsylvania-specific pharmacy statutes and regulations.
6. Complete Background Check — Submit fingerprints or other documentation through the Board-designated vendor (~$50-75) for a Pennsylvania criminal history check.
7. Receive Your License — After the Board verifies all requirements, your Pennsylvania pharmacist license is issued. Expect 2-4 weeks processing time.
8. Register for DEA — Apply at dea.diversion.usdoj.gov (~$888/3 years) for DEA registration if your position involves controlled substances.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee
NABP e-Profile	$35
NAPLEX exam	$695
MPJE exam (PA)	~$150
PA state application fee	~$135
Background check	~$50-75
Estimated total	~$1,065-1,090

Candidates who submit all materials promptly after graduation typically complete the licensing process in 8-12 weeks.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Pennsylvania accepts NAPLEX score transfer from pharmacists who have been actively licensed in another state for at least one year. The request is processed through NABP. Applicants must still pass the Pennsylvania-specific MPJE. Contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy for current transfer procedures and any additional requirements.

DEA Registration

Pennsylvania pharmacists working with controlled substances must register with the DEA after receiving their state license. The fee is approximately $888 for a 3-year registration. Pennsylvania also participates in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), and pharmacists are required to access the PDMP when dispensing Schedule II-IV controlled substances as specified by state law.

Continuing Education

Pennsylvania pharmacists must complete 30 hours of ACPE-accredited CE per 2-year renewal cycle. The state requires at least 2 hours on patient safety topics and encourages opioid-related CE given Pennsylvania's public health focus. Licenses renew biennially on January 31 of odd-numbered years. The Board conducts compliance audits, so maintain CE records for at least 4 years.

Top Pennsylvania Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) — One of the nation's top academic medical systems, with over 40 hospitals across Pennsylvania; offers clinical pharmacy residencies and extensive specialized pharmacy roles.
• Jefferson Health — Philadelphia-based academic health system encompassing Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and multiple regional campuses; strong clinical pharmacy program.
• Penn Medicine — University of Pennsylvania Health System with world-renowned hospitals including HUP, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Penn Presbyterian; highly competitive pharmacy positions in oncology, transplant, and clinical research.
• Main Line Health — Four-hospital suburban Philadelphia system with strong community-oriented pharmacy programs and solid work-life balance reputation.
• Geisinger Health — Integrated health system across central and eastern Pennsylvania; known for innovative pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacy specialist roles.

Pharmacist Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/community): $128,000-$138,000/year
• Clinical pharmacist (hospital): $135,000-$150,000/year
• Pharmacy manager: $142,000-$158,000/year

Philadelphia-area pharmacists typically earn at the higher end of these ranges given the cost of living and market competition from major academic health systems. Pittsburgh and central Pennsylvania offer competitive salaries with lower living costs.

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