Introduction
Industry pharmacists play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry, working on developing, producing, and distributing medications. These pharmacists often have advanced degrees such as a bachelor of pharmacy, master of pharmacy, doctor of pharmacy, or specialised training.
These skilled professionals work in various settings, including pharmaceutical companies, research and development organisations, and government agencies.
If you are intrigued by the scope of becoming an Industry Pharmacist in Australia, this guide is for you. We will share the complete process involved in doing so, along with some tips on succeeding on the first try!
The Role of Industrial Pharmacists
- Receiving prescriptions, checking patients' medicine histories, and ensuring optimal dosage and methods of administration and drug compatibility before dispensing
- Preparing or supervising the preparation and labelling of liquid medicines, ointments, powders, tablets and other medications to fill prescriptions
- Advising prescribers on drug incompatibility and contra-indications
- Reviewing and monitoring the medical therapy of individual patients and assessing the effectiveness of the total medicine therapy
- Maintaining prescription files and recording issues of narcotics, poisons and habit-forming drugs
- Storing and preserving vaccines, serums and other drugs subject to deterioration
- Supplying non-prescription medicines and diagnostic and therapeutic aids
- Supervising and coordinating the work of Pharmacy Technicians, pharmacy interns and Pharmacy Sales Assistants
- Researching to develop and improve pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and related chemical products
- Conferring with Chemists, Engineering Professionals and other professionals about manufacturing techniques and ingredients
- Testing and analysing drugs to determine their identity, purity and strength about specified standards developing standards for drugs used in pharmaceuticals.
Steps to Become an Industry Pharmacist in Australia
Let us read in detail about the steps in applying for and becoming an Industry pharmacist in Australia.
Step 1: Skills Assessment Requirements for Industry Pharmacists
First, you must have your qualifications assessed by the Skills Assessment Authority for Industrial Pharmacists in Vocational & Education Training Assessment (VETASSESS) to ensure that they meet the standards required in Australia. This process can take several weeks or even months, so it is essential to plan accordingly.
Educational qualifications
This will typically include your degree (Bachelor of Pharmacy/Doctor of Pharmacy) and any postgraduate qualifications (master of pharmacy) in pharmacy, as well as transcripts and any other relevant certificates or diplomas.
Work experience
You will need to provide evidence of your work experience as an industry pharmacist, including job titles, responsibilities, and the dates of your employment. The industry pharmacist requires at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant work at an appropriate skill level in the last five years.
Applicants must meet the qualifications and employment requirements for a positive skills assessment.
Professional references
You may be required to provide professional references from individuals who can attest to your work experience and qualifications as an industry pharmacist.
CV or Resume
A detailed CV or Resume that illustrates your professional career and any publications, awards or recognitions that you may have received.
Registration and licensure
You must provide evidence of your registration or licensure as a pharmacist in your home country.
It is recommended to check the official website of Vetassess or consult with a migration agent for more information on the specific documents required for your assessment.
Step 2: English Requirements for the Industrial Pharmacist to Migrate to Australia
The Australian immigration departments recognise various language examination methods, including IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and OET.
Your minimum IELTS score should be six bands (with a minimum of 6 in all) or similar English criteria in other exams such as PTE, TOEFL and OET.
Step 3: Calculate Your Points
To apply for a skilled visa, you must know how many points you can score. The minimum score to be eligible for application is 65 points. However, depending on your occupation, competitiveness, and the states you are applying to, you might need to score more points to get an invite.
Points will be given to you based on the following:
- Age
- Educational Qualifications
- Points for Professional Year
- Points for NAATI- Credentialled Community Language
- Points for 2-Year Study
- Points for English
- Points for Regional Study
- Points for Work Experience
- Points for Specialist Educational Qualifications (STEM)
- Points for Partner
Step 4: Health and Character
To migrate to Australia, you must meet health and character requirements. You should be healthy and without any criminal records.
Step 5: Visa Options for Industry Pharmacists in Australia
As soon as you have gotten a positive skills assessment for an industry pharmacist and completed the English requirements, you will have several options, and you may apply for a General Skilled Migration Visa. Industry Pharmacists visa can be categorised into two types, as follows-
- State Nominated Visa- Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa) and Subclass 490 (Regional Sponsored Visa).
- Working Visa- including Subclass 482 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa) and Subclass 494 (Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa).
Ace Your Chance With Academically!
Working as an international pharmacist in Australia is a demanding and rewarding option. You need to be thorough with your roadmap to ace the exam and pursue your career as a pharmacist.
Overall, migrating to Australia as an industry pharmacist requires careful planning and significant time and effort. However, with the proper preparation and determination, it is possible to successfully navigate the process and begin a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry in Australia.
Academically takes pride in helping industry pharmacists aspiring to pursue their dream of working as industry pharmacists in Australia. Please consult with our experts today to get all the information you need to reach your goal!
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