Pharmacy in Oman: Check Eligibility and Get Licensed!

Nov 07, 2024 3 min read
Pharmacy in Oman

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oman Prometric Exam (OPE) is required for foreign pharmacists to practice in Oman.
  • Eligibility criteria for OPE include having a pharmacy degree, three years of work experience, and professional registration in your home country.
  • Required documents for the OPE include academic transcripts, a work experience certificate, proof of professional registration, a passport copy, a passport-sized photo, and an authorisation letter for document verification.
  • The registration process includes document verification (Primary Source Verification), OPE registration, visa application, and a viva (oral) exam in Oman.
  • Preparation for the OPE involves studying the exam syllabus, using official study materials, and taking practice tests.
  • Oman offers a tax-free salary, a low cost of living, and a growing healthcare sector with a high demand for pharmacists.
  • Working in Oman provides opportunities for career growth in a developing healthcare market.

For an international career destination, Oman would be one of the top destinations that pharmacists would be looking for. This is because the healthcare sector here is developing very rapidly and is bound in unison with the standard of living in Oman. Foreign-trained pharmacists could expect a great boom in opportunities here, but before practising in Oman, you have to pass the Oman Prometric Exam (OPE).

This blog guides the whole process of being a licensed pharmacist in Oman-the eligibility requirements and also the documents that should be submitted.

Why Work as a Pharmacist in Oman?

Oman is not only a country which is rich in culture and history, but it also provides great opportunities for professionals working in different healthcare sectors. The cost of living in this country compared to other countries in the Gulf is relatively low, and pharmacists have tax-free salaries. Pharmacists in Oman enjoy attractive salaries, often ranging from 1,30,000 to 1,50,000 INR per month. So they can have a comfortable living while saving good money. Moreover, Oman has a rapidly developing healthcare system, which means pharmacists are in demand, and there is a real possibility of growing careers. 

Oman Prometric Exam (OPE): The Key to Your Pharmacist License

To be able to practice pharmacy in Oman, one should pass the Oman Prometric Exam. The Oman Medical Specialty Board conducts it to ascertain if a candidate meets the minimum requirements. Clearing Oman Prometric Exam qualifies them to engage in the practice of pharmacy in Oman. OPE tests key areas, such as healthcare pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmaceutical care, and public health. Let's shift now to the eligibility criteria, which you must meet before sitting for the exam.

Let's shift now to the eligibility criteria, which you must meet before sitting for the exam.

Oman Prometric Exam Eligibility Criteria

Before you can register for the Oman Prometric Exam, you must meet the following qualifications:

1. Educational Requirements

You need to have a pharmacy degree to be eligible for the exam. This could be:

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), or
  • Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm), or
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)

2. Work Experience

Three years of continuous work experience as a pharmacist. That is to say, during that period, the individual should not have an empty slot or an employment gap; in other words, the employment record should be authoritative. The experience may come from a hospital pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, or industrial pharmacy.

3. Professional Registration

You must be a registered pharmacist in your country of origin. Proof of registration from the appropriate healthcare authority is required as part of the application process.

4. Mandatory Documents of Oman Prometric Exam

Some essential documents related to education and working experience have to be provided in the process of getting an Omani Prometric License. Below is the list of necessary documents:

  • Transcript of Records: Official academic transcripts from your pharmacy degree.
  • Work Experience Certificate: A document that outlines years of experience as a pharmacist.
  • Professional Registration Certificate: Proof that you are a registered pharmacist in your home country.
  • Passport Copy: A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
  • Passport-Size Photograph: Recent photographs that meet passport photo guidelines.
  • Authorisation Letter: You may need to submit a signed authorisation letter allowing the Oman Medical Specialty Board to verify your qualifications.

Registration Process for the Oman Prometric Exam

Once you have all the required documents, the registration process for the Oman Prometric Exam is straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Document Verification (Primary Source Verification - PSV)

You start by submitting your documents to PSV. The Oman Medical Specialty Board verifies the authenticity of the qualifications and work experience you submit. It entails an agency outside it, referred to as the Data Flow Group, that will contact the academic and working institutions and employers about your submissions.

2. Oman Prometric Exam Registration

Once your PSV is complete and you receive your eligibility number, you can register for the exam through the Prometric website. During registration, you can choose a testing centre and schedule your exam based on availability.

3. Visa Application

After passing the exam, you’ll need to secure a job in Oman. Once you receive a job offer, your employer will assist you with the visa process. You’ll need to get your documents tested by the Oman embassy in your home country as part of the visa application.

4. Viva Examination

Upon arriving in Oman, you’ll need to pass an additional viva (oral) exam, which is an assessment of your pharmacy knowledge. This step is crucial for obtaining your pharmacist license in Oman.

Preparing for the Oman Prometric Exam

Passing the Oman Prometric Exam is a way to become licensed to be a registered pharmacist in Oman. Some preparation tips for you below:

Study the Exam Syllabus: The exam contains important topics in clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, and public health. Ensure that you get to know all the key topics of the syllabus and work harder on areas where you feel less confident.

Make use of Official Study Material: Always refer to the textbooks and guidelines promoted by the Oman Medical Specialty Board in order to ensure you are studying with the right material.

Practice Tests: Practice tests will give you a feel of the format. You can manage your time accordingly during the exams and get used to the type of questions asked there.

Final words

The rewarding journey of becoming a licensed pharmacist in Oman is achievable with the right qualifications and preparation. Along with a tax-free income and high quality of life to go with an increasingly developing healthcare market, Oman can be the next big destination for pharmacists. A very straightforward process despite multiple steps, including document verification and viva exams, makes the migration process very easy.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your pharmacy career, consider enrolling in exam preparation courses that can guide you through the process. At Academically Global, we offer tailored resources and mentorship to help pharmacists like you succeed in the Oman Prometric Exam and start your professional journey in the Gulf.

Ready to make the move? Fill out this form to begin your pharmacy career in Oman!

FAQs

Q: What is the Oman Prometric Exam (OPE)?

Ans: The OPE is a licensing exam for pharmacists wishing to practice in Oman, covering topics such as clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmaceutical care, and public health.

Q: How can I become a licensed pharmacist in Oman?

Ans: To become a licensed pharmacist, you must pass the Oman Prometric Exam, meet eligibility criteria, submit required documents, and pass a viva examination upon arrival in Oman.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the Oman Prometric Exam?

Ans: You must have a pharmacy degree (B.Pharm, M.Pharm, or Pharm.D.), three years of continuous work experience, and proof of registration as a pharmacist in your home country.

Q: What documents do I need for the Oman Prometric Exam?

Ans: You need academic transcripts, a work experience certificate, proof of professional registration, a passport copy, passport-sized photographs, and an authorisation letter for document verification.

Madiha Zufa
Madiha Zufa
about the author

Madiha Zufa is a passionate dentist whose journey has led her to the world of medical content writing. With a love for storytelling, she seamlessly weaves her experiences into her writing, exploring the intersections of healthcare, nature, and the human experience. From the heights of the mountains to the depths of the ocean, Madiha finds inspiration in the world around her, blending her interests in reading, travel, and creativity. Whether delving into the latest medical advancements or sharing insights from her own journey, Madiha’s writing reflects her unique perspective and commitment to learning.