Job Roles and Opportunities for PharmD Graduates
The most important factor that coerces PharmD graduates to move overseas is the lack of good jobs and career opportunities in their home countries. Let us discuss the jobs and career opportunities in Australia and Ireland for PharmD graduates.
Australia
Australian skilled migration program invites global BPharm and PharmD graduates, offering them outstanding career prospects, especially in the regional areas. The demand for skilled pharmacists is very high in the country, enhancing the PharmD scope in Australia. You can get jobs in roles such as
- Community Pharmacist
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Consultant Pharmacist
- Research Pharmacist
- Aged Care Pharmacist
Australia also needs experts for clinical and patient-centric roles, which align well with the PharmD curriculum of most countries. This can help you get the best jobs in the rural and regional areas of the country after your PharmD.
Ireland
Ireland is one of the easiest European countries to move to and work in. It is also well-known for its demand for healthcare professionals like pharmacists and the job opportunities it offers to PharmD graduates. Here are some common fields where you can expect to get a job-
- Community and Hospital Pharmacy
- Industry (especially in regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance)
- Clinical Research
- Academic and Healthcare Administration
While the PharmD scope in Ireland in terms of job opportunities and demand for pharmacists is good, the number of openings in urban areas is lower and more concentrated. Moreover, Ireland is still in the transition phase when it comes to moving towards a patient-focused pharmacy practice.
Verdict: Australia has more and better opportunities for PharmD graduates, with respect to more clinical and patient-centric practice.
Salaries and Compensation
Moving on to the most important reason for migration- salaries. Here’s what you can expect in terms of Australia's or Ireland’s PharmD graduate salary.
Australia
- Entry-Level Salary: AUD 70,000–85,000/year (INR 38.5 Lakh to 46.7 Lakh per year)
- Experienced Pharmacists: AUD 90,000–120,000/year (INR 50 Lakh to 66 Lakh per year)
- Employers in rural and regional areas may offer higher salaries with added relocation and other benefits.
Watch this video for more details.
Ireland
- Entry-Level Salary: €40,000–55,000/year (INR 38 Lakh to 53 Lakh per year)
- Experienced Pharmacists: €60,000–75,000/year (INR 58 Lakh to 72.5 Lakh per year)
- Hospital Pharmacists earn higher salaries than Community Pharmacists.
Verdict: The salary level and compensation package offered to pharmacists in Australia are higher than in Ireland.
Registration Procedure
Now, a decisive factor that finalises whether you must choose Australia or Ireland as a PharmD graduate is the registration process. To be registered in any of these countries, you need to go through a specified process and clear licensure exams. Here are more details about the same.
Registration Process for Australia
- Complete the Initial Skill Assessment conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council.
- Take the OPRA exam, which is a single paper consisting of 120 MCQs, which you can take in your home country.
- Clear the English proficiency test (IELTS/OET/PTE) with the desired score.
- Get provisional registration with AHPRA, and search for internships in Australia.
- Complete a paid internship of 1,575 hours (or 75% of it) and take the Intern Written and Oral Exam.
- Clear the exams, complete the internship, and get a Full Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Registration in Ireland
- Submit TCQR Third Country Qualification Recognition) application to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) with supporting documents.
- Stage 1: Internal review for eligibility.
- Stage 2: Holistic assessment of academic and professional background.
- Stage 3B (if required): Take the aptitude test (MCQ/OSCE).
- Stage 4B: Get Certificate of Qualification from the PSI.
- Complete final registration with the PSI to practice in Ireland legally.
Verdict: The registration process of both countries needs special attention and hard work, but with the right approach and guidance, you can complete them right after your PharmD.
Final Verdict
Here’s a table of comparison between Australia and Ireland for PharmD graduates for your reference.
| Parameter | Australia | Ireland |
| Job Opportunities | High (Clinical & Community) | Moderate (Community-centric) |
| Average Salary | Higher | Lower |
| Registration Procedure | Straightforward (OPRA) | Lengthy & Unpredictable |
| Use of “Dr.” Title | Recognized | Not recognized |
Conclusion
After discussing these decisive factors, you may have an idea about the PharmD scope in Australia and Ireland. Choosing the right country depends on your goals and aspirations for your future and your career. If you want entry into Europe and a lavish lifestyle with all the perks in the world, Ireland is the right path for you. However, if you are looking for a relaxed and comfortable life in a homogeneous society with plenty of pharmacy opportunities at your disposal, Australia is the perfect choice.
