Janice Lozano
Pharmacy residency programs are available for international students in the United States, but the acceptance criteria and requirements vary. Some programs accept F1/OPT visa students but do not sponsor H1B visas, while others do not accept non-US citizens at all. International students may be eligible for practical training during their studies, but specific requirements must be met, including providing proof of health insurance, vaccination documentation, and transcript evaluations from certified agencies. Additionally, international students must meet the academic prerequisites and compete in a challenging application process, which may include achieving a high GPA and demonstrating leadership qualities. The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree in the US entails specific pre-professional and professional coursework requirements, and foreign-educated pharmacists may need to complete additional steps, such as the FPGEC certification, to be eligible for US state licensure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International Pharmacy Residency Programs | Retzky College of Pharmacy, Chicago |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) | |
| University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) | |
| Requirements | Proof of individual health insurance coverage |
| Protection against vaccine-preventable diseases | |
| Documentation regarding surveillance for tuberculosis | |
| TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 (Internet-based test), 250 (Computer-based test), or 600-603 (Paper-based test) | |
| Transcripts for foreign coursework, translated and evaluated course-by-course by a certified agency | |
| Graduation from a US school or eligibility for FPGEE | |
| US license | |
| F-1 visa | |
| OPT | |
| CPT | |
| TN visa |
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What You'll Learn
- International students with F-1 visas may be eligible for practical training
- Foreign-educated pharmacists can complete the FPGEC certification process
- Requirements for international applicants to US pharmacy schools
- International students may need to provide proof of health insurance
- Some US pharmacy institutions do not accept non-US citizens
International students with F-1 visas may be eligible for practical training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available for students whose programme requires this type of experience. It is integral to the student's major, and the experience must be a part of their programme of study. To be eligible for CPT, a student must already have a job, and the CPT is authorised for that specific role.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. OPT can be applied for before and/or after completion of academic studies, but the total period of OPT employment is 12 months. Students can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT if they have earned a degree in certain STEM fields, are employed by an E-Verify enrolled employer, and have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT.
To be eligible for practical training, international students must maintain their student status, be enrolled full-time, and not work on a terminated Employment Authorization Document (EAD). They must also have sufficient funds for self-support during their studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
International students with F-1 visas should seek guidance from their academic institution's Designated School Official (DSO) to determine their eligibility for practical training and ensure compliance with US immigration rules.
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Foreign-educated pharmacists can complete the FPGEC certification process
For international students aspiring to pursue pharmacy residency in the United States, it is essential to be aware of the specific requirements and processes involved. While some residency programs may accept international students, not all programs offer the same opportunities. It is crucial to carefully research and understand the eligibility criteria and application processes for each program.
Foreign-educated pharmacists can complete the FPGEC (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee) certification process to demonstrate that their educational background is comparable to that of US-educated pharmacists. This certification is a crucial step towards obtaining a pharmacy license in the United States. Here is a step-by-step guide to the FPGEC certification process:
- Graduate from a Recognized Institution: To be eligible for FPGEC certification, international pharmacists must have graduated from a recognized or accredited school of pharmacy in a non-US country or jurisdiction.
- Submit FPGEC Application: The first step is to submit an application for FPGEC certification to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The application fee is $100, and there is also an evaluation fee of $650.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Along with the application, applicants must submit supporting documentation, including official transcripts, degree credentials, and personal identification documents (such as a certified photocopy of the passport). The Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) is the only organization authorized to evaluate degree credentials on behalf of NABP.
- Complete the TOEFL iBT Exam: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT exam is a requirement for FPGEC certification. It assesses English proficiency and must be completed with a passing score before submitting the FPGEC application. All four sections of the exam must be completed in one testing session, and the scores are valid for two years.
- Take the FPGEE Exam: The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) is a comprehensive pharmacy exam focusing on biomedical, pharmaceutical, behavioral, and clinical sciences. Applicants who become eligible during the FPGEC certification process can take the FPGEE exam. A passing score of 75 or higher is required to complete the FPGEC certification.
- Check State-Specific Requirements: Once you have obtained FPGEC certification, you can apply for a pharmacy license in the state where you intend to practice. It is important to note that each state has different requirements for obtaining a license, so be sure to review the specific requirements of the state board of pharmacy in your desired state.
Completing the FPGEC certification process is a crucial step for foreign-educated pharmacists seeking to establish their credentials and pursue a pharmacy residency or license in the United States. This process ensures that international pharmacists meet the necessary educational standards and are equipped with the knowledge and skills comparable to their US-educated counterparts.
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Requirements for international applicants to US pharmacy schools
International students seeking admission to US pharmacy schools must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must hold a bachelor's degree, as this is a prerequisite for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program in the United States. The Pharm.D. program is an entry-level graduate professional program that typically spans four academic years or three calendar years. Applicants are also required to have completed at least two years of pre-pharmacy coursework from an accredited college or university.
International applicants may be required to submit various documents, including proof of individual health insurance coverage, vaccination records, and documentation related to tuberculosis surveillance. Additionally, they must provide transcripts from foreign colleges or universities, which need to be translated and evaluated course-by-course by a certified agency. Some schools may not accept pre-pharmacy courses completed at international institutions and may require these courses to be undertaken at a US-accredited university.
International students whose primary language is not English may need to demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be done through tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), for which a minimum score is required. However, this requirement may be waived if the applicant has completed a degree in a native English-speaking country.
It is important to note that eligibility for practical training and employment during studies may vary based on visa status and compliance with government immigration rules. Some programs may offer opportunities for internship-related practical training, but sponsorship for employment visas can be challenging to obtain.
International students interested in US pharmacy schools should carefully review the specific requirements and eligibility criteria of their desired institutions, as some schools may not accept international applicants or may have additional requirements.
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International students may need to provide proof of health insurance
International students are eligible for internship-related practical training while enrolled full-time in the UW PharmD Program. However, international students seeking residency programs in the US often face challenges due to varying acceptance policies regarding non-US citizens and sponsorship. While some residency programs accept international students with F1/OPT visas, others do not provide sponsorship for H1B visas or accept OPT. Therefore, it is advisable for international students to inquire directly with the residency programs about their specific policies.
Regarding health insurance, requirements may vary depending on the university and visa status. For example, the University of Washington requires all students, including international applicants, to provide proof of individual health insurance coverage. On the other hand, the University of Houston does not mandate health insurance for international students with "non-F" or "non-J" visa status, but they are required to review and acknowledge the university's health insurance requirements each term.
International students on F, J, M, and Q visas are not subject to the individual mandate for their first five years in the US and can purchase an IMG plan. IMG offers health insurance plans specifically designed for international students, scholars, and those on F-1 and J-1 visas. Other organizations, such as ISI, also provide affordable and comprehensive health insurance plans for international students on various visas, including F, M, and J.
It is important for international students to carefully review the health insurance requirements of their intended university and visa category. They should also be prepared to provide proof of insurance, typically in the form of an ID card or confirmation letter, to ensure compliance with the university's policies.
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Some US pharmacy institutions do not accept non-US citizens
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program in the United States requires at least 2 years of specific pre-professional undergraduate coursework followed by 4 academic years (or 3 calendar years) of professional study. The majority of U.S. pharmacy degree programs require all applicants to apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS).
Some U.S. pharmacy institutions do not consider international (non-U.S.) applicants for admission. For example, the UW School of Pharmacy will only accept evaluations from the following certified agencies: Educational Credentials Evaluations (ECE), World Education Services (WES), or Educational Perspectives. These transcripts and evaluations are required, although the coursework does not count toward the pharmacy prerequisites.
International students (F-1 visa holders) may be eligible for internship-related practical training while enrolled full-time in the UW Pharm.D. Program. However, eligibility for CPT relies on a student’s prior history of education in the U.S., compliance with U.S. government immigration rules, and how the activity is supported by the academic department.
Some programs told me they work with F1/OPT students but do not sponsor H1B for pharmacy residents. Some programs do not accept non-US citizens at all. For instance, a Canadian student with an F1 visa for pharmacy school, which was switched to OPT for residency, asked 15 programs at mid-year, and all said no to sponsorship.
To be eligible for a US license, one must have graduated from a US school or be eligible for FPGEE. Most residencies exclude visas and they specify this in their advertising material.
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Frequently asked questions
Pharmacy residency programs in the US vary in their acceptance of international students. Some programs do accept international students, while others do not. For example, Retzky College of Pharmacy in Chicago offers an International Pharmacy Residency Program. However, it is important to note that some programs explicitly state that they do not accept non-US citizens.
The requirements for international students can vary depending on the program. Some common requirements include:
- Proof of individual health insurance coverage and documentation regarding specific vaccinations and tuberculosis surveillance.
- Official transcripts from foreign colleges or universities, which must be translated and evaluated by a certified agency.
- A minimum TOEFL score of 100 for the internet-based test, 250 for the computer-based test, or 600-603 for the paper-based test.
- Completion of a 5-year undergraduate pharmacy degree from a recognized school outside the US, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
Yes, international students typically need a visa to participate in residency programs. F-1 visas are commonly mentioned in relation to international students pursuing pharmacy residencies in the US. These students may also be eligible for internship-related practical training (CPT) while enrolled full-time.
Financial sponsorship for international students in the form of H1B visas is rarely offered by pharmacy residency programs. Most programs that responded to inquiries stated that they do not provide financial sponsorship. However, some programs may work with F1/OPT students, as mentioned by several students.
