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Typical Requirements
Education Law of most States require pharmacists renewing registration of a license to take continuing education. Typically, a minimum of 45 contact hours (at least 23 live) is required in each three-year registration period. At least 3 of the required hours must be formal continuing education on strategies and techniques to reduce medication and prescription errors.
The laws that apply to the continuing education requirements for pharmacists are found in each State's Education Law. They are also available by contacting the state education board
As stated, every pharmacist wishing to practice must take continuing education. The Education Departments assume that you intend to practice if you are registered. Therefore, if you are registered and are beyond your initial term of registration, you must comply with these requirements. Failure to complete the required continuing education prior to the expiration of a registration period may subject you to prosecution for professional misconduct.
Generally, practitioners do not need to take continuing education during their first three-year registration period following initial licensure. After that, about 45 hours (23 live) are required over each three-year registration period.
If you received your original (out-of-state) license less than three years ago, you do not need any continuing education for som states. If you have been licensed for three years or more in another state before your license was issued by your current state of practice, then you may have to meet the state's continuing education requirement of 45 contact hours (at least 23 live) of acceptable continuing education courses. The 45 credits must include at least 3 credits (home study or live) on techniques to reduce medication and prescription errors.
To reactivate your registration in certain states, you will need 45 contact hours (at least 23 live) of acceptable continuing education courses. The 45 credits must include at least 3 credits (home study or live) on techniques to reduce medication and prescription errors. The continuing education must be in appropriate subject areas and offered by approved sponsors. Since you are actively practicing, you will be able to count continuing education credits earned up to 36 months prior to the month in which you reactivate your registration.
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