Can an intern earn hours in a state other than Minnesota?

An intern can indeed earn hours in a state other than Minnesota, provided that these hours are submitted to the Board of Pharmacy (BOP) for approval. This rule is in place to ensure that the experience gained out of state meets the standards and requirements established by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

Internships and the hours accrued during them play a crucial role in preparing pharmacy students for their future careers. However, regulations are often in place to maintain uniformity in professional training and experience across state lines. By requiring submission and approval of hours earned in another state, the BOP can verify that the intern's experience aligns with Minnesota's specific educational and practical training standards.

The necessity for approval is significant as it helps ensure that each intern's out-of-state experience can be recognized as equivalent to the training they would receive in Minnesota, contributing effectively to their eligibility for licensure in the state. This policy underscores the importance of maintaining a consistently high quality of pharmacy education and practice standards throughout the licensing process.