Tennessee Board of Pharmacy - Pharmacist Licensure Guidelines
Introduction to Tennessee Board of Pharmacy
The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy is responsible for regulating the practice of pharmacy in the state of Tennessee. The Board's mission is to protect the public health and welfare by ensuring that pharmacists and pharmacies practice in accordance with established professional standards and state laws. Obtaining a pharmacist license in Tennessee requires meeting specific educational, examination, and experience criteria as outlined by the Board.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for pharmacist licensure in Tennessee, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from a college or school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or equivalent
- Complete required internship hours
- Pass required examinations
- Submit a completed application with all required documentation and fees
Licensure Application Process
Verify Educational Requirements
Submit official transcripts from your pharmacy school directly to the Board. Graduates from non-ACPE accredited programs must provide additional documentation demonstrating educational equivalency.
Complete Internship Hours
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours of practical experience for licensure. Up to 300 hours may be obtained during your pharmacy education program. The remaining hours must be completed post-graduation under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed pharmacist.
Pass Required Examinations
Successful completion of the following examinations is required:
- North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
- Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Tennessee
- Practical examination (if required)
Submit Application and Documentation
Complete the licensure application form available on the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy website and submit it with all required documentation including:
- Passport-sized photographs
- Verification of licensure from other jurisdictions (if applicable)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation criminal background check
Pay Required Fees
Submit the non-refundable application fee of $105. Additional fees may apply for background checks, examination score transfers, and other services.
Receive License
Once all requirements are met and documentation is approved, the Board will issue your pharmacist license. Licenses must be renewed annually with a $105 renewal fee.
Examination Details
North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
The NAPLEX measures competence to practice pharmacy. It consists of 250 questions across three major content areas:
- Ensuring safe and effective pharmacotherapy and health outcomes
- Safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications
- Providing health care information and promoting public health
Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) - Tennessee
The MPJE tests knowledge of pharmacy law and regulations specific to Tennessee. The examination consists of 120 questions covering federal pharmacy law and Tennessee pharmacy statutes and regulations.
Examination scores are valid for two years from the exam date. You must complete all licensure requirements within this timeframe, or you may be required to retake the examinations.
Licensure by Endorsement
Pharmacists currently licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction may apply for licensure by endorsement in Tennessee. Requirements include:
- Submission of a completed application form
- Verification of current licensure from all jurisdictions where you hold or have held a license
- Proof that you have practiced pharmacy for at least 1,500 hours in the last three years
- Proof of passing NAPLEX and MPJE scores from your initial licensure
- TN criminal background check
If your initial licensure was granted more than 10 years ago, or if you have not actively practiced pharmacy recently, additional requirements may apply.
License Renewal Requirements
Pharmacist licenses in Tennessee expire annually on December 31st. Renewal requirements include:
- Completion of the renewal application
- Payment of the $105 renewal fee
- Completion of 30 hours of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) during the renewal period
- At least 5 of the 30 hours must be in live programming
- At least 1 hour must be in pharmacy law
- At least 1 hour must be in patient safety
- At least 2 hours must be in opioid prescribing and controlled substance diversion
Special Considerations
Intern Permits
Students enrolled in ACPE-accredited pharmacy programs may apply for an intern permit after completing 60 credit hours. The permit allows students to gain practical experience to count toward the 1,500-hour requirement. The intern permit fee is $35.
Foreign Pharmacy Graduates
Graduates of foreign pharmacy schools must:
- Obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification
- Pass the FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination)
- Complete English language proficiency requirements (TOEFL iBT and TSE)
- Complete a minimum of 1,500 internship hours in Tennessee
- Meet all other standard licensure requirements
Important Reminders
All applications and fees should be submitted to the Tennessee Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy. Processing times vary, so it is recommended to submit applications well in advance of intended practice dates.
The Board reserves the right to deny licensure to any applicant who has committed acts that would constitute grounds for discipline as outlined in the Tennessee Pharmacy Practice Act.
For the most current forms, fee schedules, and requirements, visit the official Tennessee Board of Pharmacy website or contact the Board directly.
Contact Information
Tennessee Board of Pharmacy
665 Mainstream Drive, Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 532-5028
Email: Health.Pharmacy.Board@tn.gov
Website: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-boards/board-of-pharmacy.html
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does the licensure process take? | Processing times vary, but typically take 4-6 weeks after all required documentation is received. |
| Can I practice while waiting for my license? | No, you cannot practice pharmacy in Tennessee until you have been issued a license by the Board. |
| What is the passing score for the NAPLEX and MPJE? | The minimum passing score for the NAPLEX is 75, and for the MPJE is also 75. |
| Do I need to take an oath ceremony? | No, Tennessee does not require a formal oath ceremony for pharmacist licensure. |
| Can I transfer my Tennessee license to another state? | Yes, most states offer licensure by endorsement for Tennessee-licensed pharmacists who meet their requirements. |
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