If you are a pharmacist dreaming of an international career with an easy registration process and a low cost, Oman is the perfect career destination for you. With the rising demand for pharmacists and the increasing population, job opportunities for pharmacists in Oman are abundant.
The registration exam for pharmacists in Oman is the Omani Examination for Pharmacists (OPE). This exam is quite easy to crack and can be taken from your home country.
In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the eligibility requirements for becoming a registered pharmacist in Oman, content areas assessed, passing score, testing centres, salary expectations of pharmacists in Oman, OPE preparation, and more.
Introduction to the Omani Examination for Pharmacists
If you are an international pharmacist, seeking to practise in Oman, clearing the Omani Examination for Pharmacists (OPE) is an important step. This exam is also known as the Oman Prometric Exam. The registration exam for pharmacists in Oman is conducted by the OMSB. The OMSB stands for the Oman Medical Specialty Board.
The purpose of this exam is to ensure international pharmacists possess the required knowledge and skills to deliver safe and effective pharmacy care in Oman.
This exam consists of multiple-choice questions.
Clearing the Oman Prometric Exam is your pathway to securing a pharmacy job and a visa in Oman.
Who is Eligible to take the Omani Examination for Pharmacists?
Before appearing for the Omani Examination for Pharmacists, the aspirants should meet a set of requirements fixed by the regulatory body. Understanding the eligibility requirements before starting your registration journey is a crucial step. This will help you to save time and money. These requirements are in place to reinforce the quality of pharmacists working in Oman. Let us take a look at the OPE eligibility requirements.
Educational Qualifications
To take the Omani Examination for Pharmacists, the candidate must hold a pharmacy degree. The pharmacy degree can be any of the following.
- BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
- MPharm (Master of Pharmacy)
- PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Registration
After meeting the educational requirements, the candidate should also be a registered pharmacist in their home country.
Work Experience
The next requirement to be met in order to take the OPE is work experience. The pharmacist should not only possess the required pharmacy degree but also have a specific work experience.
In this case, the work experience required to become eligible for the exam should be of three years. The experience should be of working in a hospital pharmacy or a retail pharmacy. An important thing to be kept in mind is that the work experience should be continuous. The 3-year work experience should be attained without a gap.
What is the Minimum Passing Score for OPE?
To pass the Oman Prometric Exam, you should score a minimum of 60%. There will be a total of 150 multiple-choice questions. Out of the 150 multiple-choice questions, you should get 90 of them correct to attain the minimum passing score.
What are the Areas Assessed in the OPE?
There are four key areas assessed in the Omani Examination for Pharmacists. They’re as follows.
- Basic Biomedical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Social/Behavioural/Administrative Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
Where Can You Take the OPE?
There are multiple Prometric exam centres around the world. This means that you will have an exam centre in your home country. This feature of OPE makes it convenient for you to take the exam as it does not require travelling to Oman. This will also help candidates save time, money, and energy and will help them spend their time on proper preparation.
The pharmacists who wish to take the Oman Prometric Exam from India can choose any of the major cities such as:
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Trivandrum
- Kochi
What is the Salary of a Registered Pharmacist in Oman?
The average monthly salary of a registered pharmacist in Oman can range from OMR 600 to OMR 1000. The salary received in Oman is completely tax-free. In Gulf countries, there is no personal income tax. Apart from the tax benefits, pharmacists also received benefits like paid holidays annually and free accommodation.
Why is Oman Good for Pharmacists?
There are several benefits to Oman that make it a great choice for international pharmacists. Smooth Registration Process: The process for becoming a registered pharmacist in Oman is straightforward and less cumbersome compared to many other countries. The Omani Examination for Pharmacists (OPE), also known as the Oman Prometric Exam, is the primary hurdle for foreign-trained pharmacists. Once passed, the pathway to securing a job and visa in Oman is relatively smooth.
Favourable Work-Life Balance: Oman places a strong emphasis on work-life balance. With reasonable working hours and generous leave policies, pharmacists can enjoy ample time for personal pursuits, travel, and relaxation. The country's beautiful beaches, mountains, and deserts provide numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
No Language Barrier: Unlike many countries that require proof of English proficiency for professional registration, Oman does not impose such requirements on pharmacists. This makes the process easier for non-native English speakers, removing a significant barrier to entry.
Strategic Location: Oman's strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe makes it an excellent base for travel and trade. The country is well-connected by air, with major international airports providing easy access to destinations worldwide. This geographical advantage is appealing to pharmacists who wish to travel or engage in international collaborations.
Preparing for the Omani Pharmacist Examination
To get ready for the Omani Pharmacist Examination, it’s a good idea to take a solid preparation course. With the right course and mentors, you can complete your preparation in just 14 weeks.
Academically is an online platform that offers a complete preparation course for those who want to pass the Omani Pharmacist Examination on their first try. Here’s what you can expect from the course:
- Training from industry experts
- High-quality study materials
- Personalised feedback sessions
- Mock exams and practice tests
- Chances to connect with pharmacists who are already working in Oman
Conclusion
Oman presents an exciting opportunity for international pharmacists. With a booming pharmaceutical market, welcoming community, high standard of living, smooth registration process, competitive salary, favourable work-life balance, no language barrier, strategic location, quality healthcare system, and abundant professional development opportunities, Oman has everything that pharmacists need for a successful and fulfilling career.
For those looking to explore international career opportunities in pharmacy, Oman is a destination worth considering. To know more about your possibilities abroad, contact our experts at Academically and get a free consultation.
