Pharmacy

Residency Program Resources

Obtaining Licensure in MA

All BMC pharmacy residents must become a licensed pharmacist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts before October 1st of the residency year.  Residents should register for the first available licensing exam.

Important Links

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy 
Professional Credential Services (PCS) 

Steps to Getting Licensed

1. Apply for NAPLEX 
   
   
2. The Massachusetts Board has contracted with Professional Credential Services, Inc (PCS), Nashville, TN, to process its applications for examination and licensure / registration of pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians.  Obtaining a license in Massachusetts may take longer than other states, especially for out-of-state applicants.  As soon as you graduate please start the process.
   
   • You must contact your state's board of pharmacy to get official documentation of your intern/extern hours and have this mailed to you and add it to all the other application material required.  Call the board of pharmacy where your intern/extern hours are tracked. For primary MA licensure, applicants need 500 hours from internships (work) beyond the hours completed during your last clerkship year of pharmacy school (up to 1000 hours count from clerkships) for a total of no less than 1500 hours of practical experience as a pharmacy intern.  If you have questions call PCS and speak to the Massachusetts coordinator
   • Be sure to also send in proof of graduation, your academic advisor may be able to supply this to the state board.
     
     
3. MPJE Study Material
   
   • There is also a complete packet dedicated to Massachusetts pharmacy law located at the bookstore in the State House, recommend obtaining this if you are coming from out of state.
   • Contact your fellow residents. Some of them may have review material/suggestions to help study for the Massachusetts law.

Bottom line: Start this process early!  Most of the application steps can be organized/completed before graduation.