
Pharmacy residency programs are available to international students, but the requirements and opportunities vary. Some residency programs are open to international students, while others are not. For example, private pharmacy institutions generally offer more positions to non-U.S. citizens, while some state-supported public institutions may not accept non-U.S. citizens at all. International applicants must meet the same minimum entry requirements as American students, including course prerequisites and standardized tests, and may need to submit foreign transcripts or evaluations. Additionally, international applicants must be eligible for licensure as pharmacists in their state, either through graduation from an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy or by holding a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Certificate (FPGEC). Some residency programs may also require international students to have a visa or sponsorship. Overall, while there are residency programs that accept international students, the specific requirements and opportunities can vary, and it is important for prospective students to carefully research and contact the programs they are interested in to determine their eligibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Residency programs that accept international students | Retzky College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Houston Methodist, NYU, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy |
| Requirements for international students | Eligibility for licensure as a pharmacist in Arizona, graduation from an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy, Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Certificate (FPGEC), student F-1 visa, TN visa |
| Types of programs | PGY1 residency programs, specialized pharmacy residencies, Pharm.D. degree program |
| On-call activities | Responding to "codes", evaluating antibiotic therapies and adverse drug reactions, monitoring pharmacokinetics, providing nutrition support and patient counseling services |
| Number of positions for non-U.S. citizens | Private pharmacy institutions generally offer more positions than state-supported, public institutions |
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What You'll Learn
- International students may need to meet the same entry requirements as US students
- Some residency programs do not accept non-US citizens
- International students may need to be eligible for licensure in the state
- Foreign-trained pharmacists may be eligible for advanced standing status
- International students may need to complete additional US immigration requirements

International students may need to meet the same entry requirements as US students
International students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree in the United States must meet specific entry requirements. Firstly, they must complete at least two years of pre-professional undergraduate coursework, followed by four academic years or three calendar years of professional study. International applicants may compete for a limited number of positions or be deemed ineligible, depending on the policies of the institution and state. Private pharmacy institutions tend to offer more positions to non-U.S. citizens compared to public institutions.
If an international student's primary language is not English, they may be required to take an English language proficiency test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Test of Spoken English (TSE), as part of the admissions process. Additionally, international applicants must provide official copies of their academic records, including transcripts, degree certificates, and other relevant documents. These requirements are essential for evaluating foreign academic records and ensuring that international students meet the same academic prerequisites as their American counterparts.
Foreign-educated pharmacists who wish to practice in the U.S. but are ineligible for the FPGEC certification process must complete the entire entry-level Pharm.D. program at an ACPE-accredited institution. This program includes introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experience requirements. Graduates of ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. programs are then eligible to pursue U.S. state licensure and take the NAPLEX exam.
It is important to note that international students may face challenges regarding financial aid and sponsorship. While some residency programs work with F1/OPT students, they may not provide financial sponsorship for H1B visas. Therefore, international students must carefully research and contact individual programs to determine their policies on accepting non-U.S. citizens and providing sponsorship.
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Some residency programs do not accept non-US citizens
International students seeking residency programs in the US should be prepared to put in the time and effort to find suitable programs. This may involve emailing RPDs to inquire about their policies regarding non-US citizens, F1/OPT work, and sponsorship. It is worth noting that private pharmacy institutions generally offer a greater number of positions to non-US citizens compared to state-supported public institutions. Additionally, international applicants should ensure they meet the minimum entry requirements, which may include submitting foreign transcripts or a course-by-course foreign transcript evaluation report.
To enhance their chances of finding a suitable residency program, international students can also consider reaching out to their pharmacy school to learn about opportunities for international residency positions. They can also conduct online research by searching for "international residency programs" and checking the websites of specific programs to determine their eligibility criteria.
It is important to note that some residency programs, such as the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), offer international pharmacy residency programs. UIC has a tradition of excellence in pharmacy residency training and has contributed to the national advancement of clinical pharmacy practice. Their PGY1 Pharmacy Residency for International Graduates aims to prepare international graduates to take their skills beyond the US borders.
Overall, while some residency programs may not accept non-US citizens, there are still opportunities available for international students through private institutions, specialized programs, and schools with a history of accommodating international students.
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International students may need to be eligible for licensure in the state
International students interested in pursuing a pharmacy residency in the United States should be aware of the various requirements and eligibility criteria. While some residency programs accept international students, not all of them cater to non-US citizens. Additionally, international students may need to meet specific licensure requirements in the state where they plan to pursue their residency.
Licensure requirements for international students can vary from state to state. For example, Pennsylvania requires a total of 1,500 intern hours, with 500 of those being non-school intern hours. It is crucial for international students to be aware of such state-specific requirements before committing to a residency program. This knowledge will ensure they can fulfil the necessary criteria to obtain a license to practice in their chosen state.
To facilitate the process of licensure, international students can consider taking the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE). This examination is overseen by the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC), which operates under the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). By earning the FPGEC Certificate, international students can partially fulfil the eligibility requirements for licensure in certain states. This certificate serves as a testament to the educational equivalency of their foreign pharmacy education.
However, it is important to note that licensure is not the only factor that determines an international student's eligibility for a pharmacy residency program. Other crucial aspects include their visa status and work authorization. Many residency programs work with students holding F-1 visas and offer Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. CPT allows international students to gain practical training related to their major field of study, while OPT provides temporary employment authorization after completion of their studies.
Overall, international students interested in pharmacy residency programs in the United States should conduct thorough research on the specific requirements of their desired state and institution. They should also be prepared to meet various eligibility criteria, including licensure, visa status, and work authorization, to enhance their chances of securing a residency position.
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Foreign-trained pharmacists may be eligible for advanced standing status
Foreign-trained pharmacists seeking to practice in the United States must meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must complete an entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited institution. This typically involves two years of specific pre-professional undergraduate coursework followed by four academic years (or three calendar years) of professional study. Foreign-trained pharmacists may be eligible for advanced standing status, allowing them to waive some classroom-based courses in the Pharm.D. program. However, this is determined by each program, and only a limited number of courses may be waived.
To be eligible for advanced standing status, foreign-trained pharmacists must meet specific requirements. These may include demonstrating English language proficiency through tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Test of Spoken English (TSE). Additionally, they must complete all introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experience (IPEE and APPE) requirements.
After completing an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program, foreign-trained pharmacists can take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and fulfill other state licensure requirements. It is important to note that some U.S. pharmacy institutions do not consider international applicants for admission, and policies vary depending on the state and institution. Private pharmacy institutions generally offer more positions to non-U.S. citizens compared to public institutions.
International students and foreign-trained pharmacists should carefully research the requirements and eligibility criteria for each U.S. pharmacy program and institution, as they may vary. Additionally, sponsorship for residency programs is not always provided, and some programs do not accept non-U.S. citizens.
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International students may need to complete additional US immigration requirements
International students interested in pharmacy residency programs in the United States may need to complete additional US immigration requirements, depending on their specific situation and the requirements of the program they are applying to. Here are some important considerations for international students:
- Visa requirements: International students may need to obtain a visa that allows them to participate in a residency program. The F1/OPT visa is commonly mentioned in relation to pharmacy residency programs, and some programs work with students holding this visa type. However, it is important to note that some programs may not provide sponsorship for certain visas, such as the H1B. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they have the necessary visa and that the program they are applying to is able to accommodate their visa status.
- Citizenship requirements: Some residency programs may have specific requirements regarding citizenship. Some programs may not accept non-US citizens at all, so it is important for international students to carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying.
- Licensing: In some cases, international students may need to obtain a license before starting their residency. Licensing requirements can vary by state and program, so it is important to research the specific requirements for the desired residency program.
- Communication with programs: International students may need to reach out directly to residency programs to inquire about their specific requirements and policies regarding international applicants. This may include asking about their acceptance of non-US citizens, their visa policies, and any other relevant details.
- Program research: International students may benefit from conducting thorough research on residency programs to identify those that offer international residency positions. This may involve searching for specific keywords, such as "international residency program," and reviewing program websites for relevant information.
It is important for international students to be proactive in understanding the US immigration requirements and regulations that may apply to their situation. By conducting thorough research and communicating directly with residency programs, international students can increase their chances of finding a program that aligns with their goals and meets their eligibility requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
A pharmacy residency program provides postgraduates—individuals who have completed their pharmacy education and have graduated—with advanced clinical training that is more rigorous than the traditional 4th-year rotations.
Residency programs differ in their admission of international students. Some residency programs accept international students, while others do not. For example, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers PGY1 pharmacy residency programs in international pharmacy.
Requirements for international students to be accepted into a residency program vary. Some programs require international students to be eligible for licensure as a pharmacist in the state, either through graduation from an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy or by holding a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Certificate (FPGEC). Other requirements may include submitting foreign transcripts or a course-by-course foreign transcript evaluation report.
Some residency programs sponsor international students, while others do not. For example, Houston Methodist and NYU are known to sponsor international students. It is important to contact the specific residency program to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.





























