The requirements for licensure as a registered pharmacist in the state of New Jersey are set by the state Board of Pharmacy. Since the specific requirements change from time to time, it is advisable to contact the state board for the most current information when specific questions about the requirements for licensure arise. Correspondence to the board may be addressed to the Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 124 Halsey Street, P.O. Box 45013, Newark, NJ 07101 (973-504-6450 or http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/phar/Pages/default.aspx).

To qualify for licensure in the state of New Jersey, the applicant must be a graduate of an accredited college of pharmacy, must have completed a sufficient amount of time in an approved experience program, and must have passed both the state Board of Pharmacy Licensure Examination and the Multistate Jurisprudence Pharmacy Examination. The experience program may consist of internship, externship, or a combination of both. Externship refers to a college-credited and supervised experience program that has been approved by the Board of Pharmacy as meeting the experience requirement. Internship refers to postgraduate experience in an approved pharmacy with a board-approved preceptor. A total of 1,440 hours of internship/externship is necessary for a candidate to qualify to take the licensure examination. The examination itself is a comprehensive computer-adaptive examination that integrates the pharmaceutical sciences with pharmacy practice.

The curriculum at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy currently provides an externship and related experience components that meet the experience requirements for licensure in New Jersey. Students contemplating registration as a pharmacist in states other than New Jersey should become familiar with the licensure and reciprocation requirements in those states. Information about registration in other states may be obtained from the appropriate state board of pharmacy or through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, 1600 Feehanville Dr., Mount Prospect, IL 60056 (847-391-4406 or at http://www.nabp.net).