How to Get Your Vermont Pharmacist License in 2026

Vermont may be one of the smallest states by population, but its pharmacy market is strong and growing. With UVM Medical Center in Burlington serving as the flagship academic health system and community health networks extending into every rural corner of the Green Mountain State, licensed pharmacists are consistently in demand. Vermont pharmacists also benefit from proximity to major New Hampshire and New York markets, giving credentialed practitioners geographic flexibility. If you are a PharmD graduate ready to begin practice in Vermont, this guide covers every step of the licensure process administered by the Vermont Board of Pharmacy.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Vermont

The Vermont Board of Pharmacy licenses pharmacists under Title 26, Chapter 36 of the Vermont Statutes. To qualify for an initial Vermont pharmacist license you must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, complete a minimum of 1,500 supervised intern hours under a Vermont-licensed pharmacist preceptor (or an equivalent internship recognized by the Board), pass the NAPLEX administered by NABP, and pass the Vermont MPJE which covers both federal pharmacy law and Vermont-specific statutes. There is no separate Vermont law exam beyond the MPJE. International pharmacy graduates must obtain NABP FPGEC certification before applying for licensure.

Step-by-Step: Vermont Pharmacist License Process

1. Create NABP e-Profile, Visit nabp.pharmacy and register for a $35 NABP e-Profile ID. This unique identifier links your examination registrations, score transfers, and state applications throughout your career.
2. Apply for NAPLEX, Through your e-Profile, register for the NAPLEX and pay the $695 examination fee. Your school will confirm enrollment or graduation status directly with NABP.
3. Apply for Vermont MPJE, Register for the Vermont-specific MPJE through NABP ($150). Study Vermont Title 26 pharmacy statutes in addition to the federal Controlled Substances Act and OBRA-90.
4. Submit VT Board Application, Complete the pharmacist licensure application on the Vermont Secretary of State licensing portal and pay the ~$150 state licensure fee. Include official PharmD transcripts and a certified internship hour log signed by your preceptor(s).
5. Complete Background Check, Vermont requires fingerprint-based FBI and state criminal background checks. The Board will provide fingerprinting instructions; allow $50-$75 for processing fees.
6. Schedule and Pass NAPLEX, Book your NAPLEX appointment at a Pearson VUE test center. The exam is 250 questions administered over 6 hours. A score of 75 or above is passing. Results post within 2-4 business days.
7. Schedule and Pass MPJE, Book your Vermont MPJE at Pearson VUE. The 120-question adaptive exam covers pharmacy law competencies. A score of 75 or above is required. Results post within 2-4 business days.
8. Receive Vermont License, After the Board verifies all components (transcripts, exam scores, background check), your license is issued. Total processing time is typically 6-10 weeks. Licenses are renewable biennially.

Fees and Timeline

Processing time runs approximately 6-10 weeks from the date a complete application is received. Submitting all documents simultaneously reduces back-and-forth delays with the Board.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Vermont accepts NAPLEX score transfers for pharmacists already licensed in another NABP member state, provided the score is no more than 5 years old and the applicant has been in continuous active practice. Submit the score transfer request through your NABP e-Profile and notify the Vermont Board. You must still pass the Vermont MPJE independently. Score transfers cost $50 through NABP.

DEA Registration

Once your Vermont pharmacist license is active, you can apply for a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration to handle controlled substances. DEA registration is completed at deadiversion.usdoj.gov. The fee is $888 for a three-year registration. Vermont pharmacies are also subject to Vermont Department of Public Safety controlled substance regulations, so confirm your employer holds an active Vermont Controlled Substance Registration if you plan to dispense Schedule II-V medications.

Continuing Education

Vermont pharmacists must complete 15 contact hours (1.5 CEUs) of ACPE-approved continuing pharmacy education per year, totaling 30 hours per biennial renewal cycle. At least one hour per renewal cycle must address medication error prevention, and the Board recommends CE in opioid prescribing awareness given Vermont public health priorities. CE providers must be ACPE-accredited. Licenses renew on a biennial schedule with renewal fees around $100.

Top Vermont Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• UVM Health Network, The University of Vermont Medical Center and its affiliated network hospitals across Vermont and northern New York are the state's largest health system employer. Clinical pharmacy specialist and PGY-1/PGY-2 residency positions are regularly posted.
• Dartmouth Health (Vermont locations), Dartmouth Health operates facilities including Mt. Ascutney Hospital in Windsor and Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, with ongoing staff pharmacist needs in clinical and dispensing roles.
• Northwestern Medical Center, Located in St. Albans, NMC serves Franklin County and regularly recruits staff and clinical pharmacists given its rural catchment area.
• Kinney Drugs / CVS Health / Hannaford Pharmacies, Retail and supermarket pharmacy chains with heavy Vermont footprints offer staff pharmacist, floating pharmacist, and pharmacy manager positions statewide.
• Vermont Department of Health, Public health pharmacist roles exist within state government, focusing on immunization programs, opioid response, and regulatory oversight.

Pharmacist Salary in Vermont (2026)

• Staff Pharmacist (retail/community): $122,000-$135,000/year
• Clinical Pharmacist (hospital): $128,000-$142,000/year
• Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: $135,000-$148,000/year
• Pharmacy Manager: $138,000-$152,000/year

Vermont pharmacist salaries average $122K-$148K annually. Rural and critical-access hospital positions often include loan forgiveness or sign-on incentives to offset the geographic challenge of recruitment.

Related: Pharmacist Salary Guide 2026, Hospital vs Retail Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist Salary Guide, Pharmacist Salary by State.