Ultimate Guide for Pharmacists – Getting Licensed & Continuing Education in NJ

Have An Expiring New Jersey Pharmacist License & Need CE Fast?

 

You’ve come to the right place. freeCE offers accredited CE that you can complete quickly and easily.

If you still need live CE credits to renew your license, we air 10-16 webinars a week so you can pick the ones that fit your schedule. There’s no need to travel anywhere or even take a post-test!

If you’ve already satisfied your live CE requirements but still need more credits, we have a robust catalog of on-demand CE that freeCE members can access at any time. Explore our membership options here. See our New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy page for even more NJ-specific CE & licensing requirments.

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Is now a good time to become a Pharmacist in New Jersey?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by an aging population that will require more medications, as well as increased demand for prescription medications due to advances in medical technology.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for pharmacists to provide more patient care services, such as administering immunizations and managing chronic disease states. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, creating opportunities for pharmacists who are interested in expanding their role in patient care.

 

Do Pharmacists have to be certified in New Jersey?

Pharmacists are not required to be certified in addition to their licensure—they only need an active license to practice. However, obtaining additional certifications offered by professional organizations can demonstrate a pharmacist’s specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular area of pharmacy practice.

 

How To Obtain Your New Jersey Pharmacist license

To obtain a New Jersey Pharmacist license, you must complete the following:

• Education: You must have graduated from an accredited college of pharmacy and hold a degree in pharmacy (PharmD, BSPharm, or equivalent).
• Examination: You must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
• Internship: You must have completed a minimum of 1,500 hours of internship under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist in the United States or its territories. The internship must be completed within 6 years prior to applying for licensure.
• Application: You must submit an application for licensure to the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy. The application must include:
  • A completed application form
  • A non-refundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from your pharmacy school
  • Proof of completion of internship
  • NAPLEX and MPJE scores
  • Any other documentation required by the Board
• Background Check: You must complete a criminal history record background check.
• Immunization: You must provide proof of completion of an immunization course approved by the Board.
• Continuing Education: You must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license. There is an exemption for your first renewal.

Once you have completed these steps and the Board has approved your application, you will receive your New Jersey Pharmacist license.

 

New Jersey Pharmacist license renewal process

According to the regulations, pharmacists in New Jersey must renew their license every two years by submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee to the Board of Pharmacy. The renewal application must include information such as the pharmacist’s name, license number, contact information, and any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions since the last renewal.

In addition to the renewal application and fee, pharmacists must also complete continuing education requirements to renew their license. The regulations state that pharmacists must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. This education must include at least two hours of continuing education in pharmacy law, and at least one hour in prescription opioid drugs. The Board of Pharmacy may audit pharmacists to ensure they have completed the required continuing education.

Pharmacists may also renew their license as inactive, but they must still complete the continuing education requirements and pay the renewal fee. If a pharmacist wishes to return to active status, they must submit a request to the Board of Pharmacy and provide evidence of their completion of continuing education requirements.

If a pharmacist fails to renew their license before it expires, they may still renew it within 30 days of its expiration by submitting a renewal application, renewal fee, and late fee. After 30 days, the license will be suspended, and the pharmacist may not practice until it is renewed. If a pharmacist fails to renew their license for more than three years, they must submit a new application for licensure and meet all the requirements for initial licensure.

 

New Jersey board-approved Pharmacist online training

Pharmacists in New Jersey must complete 30 hours of continuing education credits during each 24 month renewal cycle to qualify for license renewal. Of these 30 credit hours, 10 hours must be completed through didactic instruction. “Didactic instruction” refers to live, interactive instruction—which does include live online continuing education.

Many pharmacists prefer to complete their live CE requirements online because of the convenience of doing so. Gone are the days when you had to travel across town to sit in a classroom for pharmacy CE.

 

New Jersey Pharmacist careers

Pharmacists in New Jersey can have various types of careers, including but not limited to:

• Retail Pharmacy: Many pharmacists in New Jersey work in retail pharmacy settings, such as chain pharmacies or independent drug stores. They are responsible for dispensing medications and providing advice to patients on medication usage and potential side effects.
• Hospital Pharmacy: Pharmacists can also work in hospital pharmacy settings, where they work closely with healthcare providers to manage medication therapies for patients. They may also prepare and dispense medications for inpatient and outpatient care.
• Clinical Pharmacy: Some pharmacists in New Jersey work in clinical pharmacy settings, where they work closely with healthcare providers to manage medication therapies for patients with complex medical conditions. They may also participate in clinical trials and research studies.
• Industry Pharmacy: Pharmacists can also work in the pharmaceutical industry, where they may be involved in drug development, testing, and marketing. They may also work in regulatory affairs or drug safety.
• Academia: Some pharmacists in New Jersey may work in academia, teaching pharmacy students or conducting research studies at colleges or universities.
• Government: Pharmacists can also work for the government in various settings, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

These are just a few examples of the types of careers that pharmacists in New Jersey can have. The field of pharmacy offers many opportunities for career growth and advancement.

 

How much do Pharmacists Make in New Jersey?

Based on the data from Salary.com as of April 2023, the median salary for a pharmacist in New Jersey is $163,064 per year. The salary range typically falls between $153,642 and $173,685 per year.

However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, location, type of job, and type of employer.

 

Why Choose freeCE for NJ accredited Pharmacist CE

If you are looking for activities that will improve your skills and help you grow in your career, you can find what you need in freeCE’s growing catalog of live and on-demand activities.

Whether you are looking for on-demand activities, live webinars, or in-depth training on topics such as immunization or medication history, freeCE has a variety of options to choose from.

Do you want unlimited access to this catalog of Pharmacist CE that meets your New Jersey requirements? Explore our Pharmacist Unlimited CE – Gold membership.

 

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source https://www.freece.com/new-jersey-pharmacist-license/