Illinois Pharmacist Licensing Requirements

Pharmacists have the responsibility to dispense prescription medications and provide much-needed advice to patients concerning its proper use and avoiding any potential harm from taking the drug. The increased demand to fill pharmacy jobs in Illinois has increased significantly over the last few years, rising at a rate much greater than most other jobs available in the state.

Pharmacists are in charge of dispensing a variety of medications including scheduled controlled substances, non-narcotic substances, antibiotics and hundreds of medications designed to treat specific conditions. While the process of becoming of pharmacist is extensive, the career can be financially rewarding.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for qualified licensed pharmacists in Illinois. The profession requires individuals that have extensive communication skills and a comprehensive understanding of medical information systems. Their duties include advising patients and doctors in new medicine developments, effective solutions for managing diseases and a variety of methods for monitoring patient treatment plans. The efforts taken by a competent pharmacist can prevent many harmful medication interactions to prevent injury and save lives.

Pharmacy College Admission Test

Becoming a pharmacist requires extensive study in physiology, chemistry and biology. How well the student performs in these classes will determine the level of success they will have achieving a degree in pharmacy. Many colleges offer pre-pharmacy coursework that often involves physics, chemistry, calculus, biology, anatomy and sociology. In addition to holding a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, the potential candidate for a pharmacy career will need to be admitted into an accredited pharmacy college. The admission process usually requires passing the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test). However, not all colleges require the test for admittance.

Once students earn their pharmacy degree, they will need to obtain a license to practice their career in pharmacy in the state where they want to work, including Illinois. Registered pharmacists in Illinois belong to a highly regulated profession that requires extensive training, testing and examination for licensure within the state. All pharmacists working in Illinois hospitals, retail drugstores or independent pharmacies are required to hold a license regulated by the IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation).

Licensing Requirements

The requirements for licensing are extensive and only available after the individual has completed coursework and received a pharmacy degree. Obtaining a license will require one or more of the following, including:

• Examination – Pass the FDLE (Federal Drug Law Examination) or NABPLEX examination
• Endorsement – Any original pharmacy license issued by other states must be substantially equivalent to the state of Illinois requirements for endorsement of an Illinois issued license
• Examination Acceptance – Passing a national exam by an applicant that is or is not licensed in other states is another way to obtain a pharmacy license in Illinois
• Restoration – A pharmacist previously licensed in Illinois can seek restoration of their certification if the existing license has lapsed. However, a committee review or passage of an exam might also be required
• Waiver – In some situations, pharmacy license requirements might be waived for specific individuals due to grandfathered clauses under certain statute limitations
• Non-Examination – A license may be issued without an examination if the applicant meets specific statute qualifications under certain circumstances

The process of becoming a licensed pharmacist in Illinois is complex and requires the attainment of a bachelor’s degree (BS) and Pharm.D. Degree. Every practicing pharmacist in Illinois is required to be licensed. Because of that, is essential to take the initiative of working to secure your license through the process by being an advocate for yourself. Seek clarification of every required step and ask questions concerning the intricacies of state regulations, testing services and the requirements of regulatory agencies in charge of managing and regulating statewide pharmacies and pharmacists.

You will need to possess a pharmacy degree obtained through an accredited approved school and prove your extensive experience under a supervised licensed pharmacist after passing a state acceptance exam.

Have Questions or Concerns About Errors Committed by an Illinois Pharmacy?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC represents people from all walks of life who have suffered an injury due to an error made by an Illinois pharmacist at a drug store, medical facility or on-line pharmacy. Our pharmacy error attorneys handle these matters on a contingency fee basis where a legal fee is only charged when there is a recovery for you. Call us anytime to discuss your case without cost or obligation. 888-424-5757