Steps To Become A Retail Pharmacist In Australia
Becoming a retail pharmacist in Australia as an overseas-trained pharmacist involves a structured process that ensures your qualifications, skills, and experience align with Australian healthcare standards. Below are the key steps you need to follow:
Check Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria involves:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), including mark sheets and degree certificates
- Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country as a practising pharmacist.
Also Read: Eligibility Criteria for OPRA Explained
Apply for the Initial Skills Assessment
The APC Initial Skills Assessment for overseas pharmacists involves verifying your educational qualifications and experience. You must have completed a pharmacy degree that is comparable to an Australian degree. For pharmacists trained in India or other non-recognised countries, this typically includes an initial assessment of your qualifications.
The skills assessment requires:
- Degree: B Pharm/Pharm D or Provisional Degree
- Transcripts: B Pharm/Pharm D Transcripts/Consolidated Mark Sheet
- Registration: Registration as a pharmacist in your home country
- Identification: Passport
- Work experience: Optional, documents (if available)
Also Read: Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA): A Comprehensive Guide
Pass the OPRA (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) Exam
- Biomedical sciences
- Medicinal chemistry and biopharmaceutics
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacology and toxicology
- Therapeutics and patient care
The OPRA exam in Australia consists of 120 questions to be completed in 2.5 hours. It is designed to assess your readiness to practise in the Australian healthcare environment, making it a crucial step for securing pharmacist jobs in Australia.
Also Read: OPRA Exam for Overseas Pharmacists: Pattern, Structure and Testing Method Explained
Demonstrate English Proficiency
To meet the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s language proficiency requirements, you need to demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS or OET exams:
- A minimum score of 7.5 overall in IELTS (with no less than 7 in each band)
- Alternatively, for the OET, a minimum score of 7 in each section is required
Obtain a Visa for Australia
Once you pass the OPRA exam and are registered, you can explore several visa options for pharmacist immigration to Australia. These include:
Visa Type | Description |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated Visa |
| Subclass 491 | Regional Sponsored Visa |
| Subclass 482 | Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa |
| Subclass 494 | Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa |
| Subclass 407 | Training Visa |
Find Retail Pharmacy Jobs in Australia
Once you are registered and have secured a visa, you can begin seeking pharmacy jobs in Australia for overseas pharmacists. There is a higher demand for pharmacists in rural and regional areas, often with incentives such as relocation assistance and higher pay.
Benefits of Becoming A Retail Pharmacist in Australia
A retail pharmacy career in Australia offers several advantages:
- Competitive Salaries: Retail pharmacists in Australia can earn up to ₹50 lakh annually, making it a financially rewarding career.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: A well-structured career path with opportunities for growth in management or specialised roles.
- Balanced Lifestyle: The work environment supports a good work-life balance, with flexible work hours and a positive work culture.
- High Demand: With over 3,000 current openings for registered pharmacists, job opportunities are abundant across Australia.
- Skilled Worker Visas: Australia issues more than 185,000 visas annually for skilled workers, including pharmacists, ensuring easier immigration pathways.
- Job Stability: Australia’s regulated healthcare system ensures consistent demand for pharmacists.
If this made you want to become a retail pharmacist in Australia, then clear the OPRA Exam by joining the best OPRA Exam Preparation Course.
Understanding the Role of a Retail Pharmacist in Australia
- Retail pharmacists play a vital role in the Australian healthcare system by:
- Dispensing medications accurately.
- Providing expert health advice and counselling.
- Assisting in managing chronic conditions and offering ongoing patient care.
- They primarily work in community pharmacies, acting as the first point of contact for patients seeking:
- Over-the-counter medications.
- Medical advice and support for common ailments.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a retail pharmacist in Australia as an overseas-trained professional involves a clear pathway, from getting your qualifications recognised to passing exams like the OPRA exam and completing practical training.
While the process requires dedication and time, the end result is a rewarding retail pharmacy career in Australia, where you can enjoy numerous growth opportunities in a robust healthcare system. With careful planning and persistence, you can successfully transition into the Australian pharmacy industry and enjoy a fulfilling career as a retail pharmacist in Australia.
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