Before beginning any pharmacy internship in New York State, individuals must first obtain a limited (intern) permit issued by the New York State Education Department (Department). Any experience gained prior to the issuance of this permit will not be recognized for credit towards internship requirements.
All internship experience must be completed in a pharmacy registered with the Department, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who is both licensed and currently registered with the Department. The pharmacist supervising the intern must be formally designated as the intern’s preceptor and accept full responsibility for the intern’s professional training. While other pharmacists at the site may provide occasional supervision, the overall responsibility remains with the designated preceptor.
A limited (intern) permit is valid for five years and may be renewed once at the discretion of the Department, for an additional two-year period following the expiration of the initial permit.
The limited (intern) permit must be prominently displayed at the intern’s place of practice for the duration of the internship.
Eligibility and Application Process for a Limited (Intern) Permit
To be eligible for a limited (intern) permit in New York State, applicants must have successfully completed the first professional year of their pharmacy program and submit an Online Form 5 - Application for Limited (Intern) Permit, along with a non-refundable application fee of $70 to the Department. Verification of an acceptable pharmacy program must also be submitted as follows depending on the type of program that the applicant is currently in or graduated from:
Students or Graduates of Resident ACPE Accredited Pharmacy Programs
Applicants of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited pharmacy school programs that reside in New York State (resident) must have their program verify their educational and/or immunization certification status. This is done by requesting the Dean or other authorized school official submit a Form PH20-Intern directly to the Department. Resident pharmacy programs are responsible for completion and submission of this form.
Students or Graduates of Non-Resident ACPE Accredited Pharmacy Programs
Applicants of ACPE accredited pharmacy school programs that reside outside of New York State (non-resident) must have their program submit Pharmacist Form 2InternB for verification of their educational status. This certification form must be submitted from the pharmacy school directly to the Department and can be sent via email to DPLSEduc@nysed.gov. Submissions sent from applicants will not be accepted.
Special Requirements for Graduates of Non-ACPE Accredited Foreign Pharmacy Programs
Applicants who have graduated from a non-ACPE accredited pharmacy program outside the United States must first complete the following before applying for a limited (intern) permit:
- Obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification Information regarding this exam can be obtained from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- Submit an Online Form 1 - Application for Licensure and application fee of $339;
- Arrange for their school to send a Certification of Professional Education (Form 2) and official transcript by post mail directly to the Department’s address indicated on the form (documents submitted by the applicant will not be accepted):
- Have a passing score on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) on file with the Department.
Important Note: Applicants who have graduated from a non-ACPE accredited pharmacy program are not eligible for immunization privileges under a limited (intern) permit.
Limited (Intern) Permit Immunization Certification
To administer immunizations or long-acting injectable medications in New York State, a pharmacy intern must hold a limited (intern) permit that includes immunization certification. This privilege is valid only while the limited (intern) permit remains active and does not transfer to a pharmacist license.
To qualify for immunization privileges, applicants must have completed approved immunization training within three years of applying for a limited (intern) permit, or limited (intern) permit renewal, as outlined in Section 63.4(d) of the Rules and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.
Immunization Certification from Resident Pharmacy Programs
Applicants who are enrolled in, or have graduated from, an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program residing in New York State may request their pharmacy school dean or other authorized school official verify their completion of the required immunization training by submitting a Form PH20-Intern directly to the Department via email at DPLSEduc@nysed.gov.
Immunization Certification from Non-Resident Pharmacy Programs
Applicants who are enrolled in, or have graduated from, an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program residing outside New York State may request their pharmacy school dean or other authorized school official verify completion of the required immunization training by submitting a Pharmacist Form 2InternA directly to the Department via email at DPLSEduc@nysed.gov.
Important Note: Applicants who have graduated from a non-ACPE accredited pharmacy program are not eligible for immunization privileges under a limited (intern) permit.
Renewing a Limited (Intern) Permit
The limited (intern) permit may be renewed once, at the discretion of the Department, for a period of two years, beginning from the expiration date of the initial five-year permit.
To request a renewal, applicants must submit a new Online Form 5 - Application for Limited (Intern) Permit, along with a $70 limited permit fee.
Immunization privileges issued on the original limited (intern) permit will be subject to recertification at the time of renewal.
Academic Leave
Pharmacy programs are required to notify the Department if a pharmacy intern is placed on academic leave. Upon such notification, the intern’s permit will be voided. The limited (intern) permit may be reinstated if the intern returns to the same pharmacy program within the original five-year period or two-year renewal period, if applicable.
Withdrawal from a Pharmacy Program
If an intern withdraws from the program or does not return to the pharmacy school that originally certified their eligibility, the limited (intern) permit will be revoked by the Department upon notification from the pharmacy school.
Should the student later return to pharmacy school, they may apply for a new limited (intern) permit by submitting a new Online Form 5 - Application for Limited (Intern) Permit and the required $70 limited permit fee to the Department. A new limited (intern) permit will be issued upon approval, and a new five-year period will begin.