Lana Oconnell
If you're an international student aspiring to become a pharmacist, there are several pathways you can explore. One option is to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree in the United States, which entails completing at least two years of specific pre-professional coursework followed by four academic years of professional study. Alternatively, if you already possess a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, you may be eligible for a nontraditional post-baccalaureate Pharm.D. degree offered by colleges and schools of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Foreign-trained pharmacists seeking to practice in the U.S. typically need to fulfill specific requirements, such as completing the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification process, obtaining state licensure, and meeting immigration criteria. It is important to note that each state in the U.S. may have varying licensure requirements, so ensuring familiarity with the specific regulations of your desired state is essential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree program | Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program |
| Duration | 2-years of specific pre-professional (undergraduate) coursework followed by 4-academic years (or 3-calendar years) of professional study |
| Eligibility | Foreign-trained pharmacists must complete the FPGEC certification process or graduate from an ACPE-accredited entry-level Pharm.D. program |
| FPGEC certification eligibility | Foreign-educated pharmacists who have completed the equivalent of a 5-year pharmacy degree program and earned an unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in their home country |
| Post-graduation | Graduates of Pharm.D. programs accredited by ACPE are eligible to take NAPLEX and complete other U.S. state licensure requirements |
| Additional requirements | Complete internship hours, pass a language proficiency exam, and apply to the state licensing board |
| International student services | Western University of Health Sciences provides support and assistance in immigration advising, maintaining immigration status, and interpreting rules and regulations |
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What You'll Learn
Foreign-trained pharmacists: FPGEC certification and ACPE-accredited programs
To become a pharmacist in the United States as an international student, foreign-trained pharmacists must complete one of two options.
FPGEC certification
The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification process is the first pathway. This option is only available to foreign-educated pharmacists who have completed a 5-year pharmacy degree program and obtained an unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in their home country. The FPGEC certification ensures that a foreign pharmacist's education is comparable to that of US-educated pharmacists. It is not a license to practice, but it is a prerequisite for taking the pharmacy licensure exam or registering with a state board of pharmacy.
To obtain FPGEC certification, candidates must pass the TOEFL iBT exam and the FPGEE exam. The TOEFL iBT exam tests English proficiency, and all four sections must be completed in one testing session. The FPGEE exam assesses pharmacy knowledge. Both exams have associated fees: the TOEFL iBT exam costs $100, and the FPGEE exam costs $650 for the application and evaluation. These fees are non-refundable.
Once FPGEC certified, individuals can complete other US state licensure requirements, such as the NAPLEX and MPJE exams. Each state has different requirements for obtaining a license, so it is important to check the specific state board of pharmacy website for details.
ACPE-accredited programs
The second pathway for foreign-trained pharmacists is to graduate from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited entry-level Pharm.D. program. This option is for those who are ineligible for the FPGEC certification process. ACPE-accredited programs include introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experience (IPEE and APPE) requirements. Graduates of ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. programs are eligible to take the NAPLEX exam and complete other state licensure requirements.
Additionally, foreign-educated pharmacists with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy may pursue a nontraditional post-baccalaureate Pharm.D. degree offered by ACPE-accredited institutions. However, these programs are only available to pharmacists who already hold a US pharmacy license.
It is important to note that international pharmacists applying to US schools of pharmacy will be placed into the first year, regardless of previous experience, and financial aid options may be limited. Furthermore, employment after graduation in the US is not guaranteed due to varying demand by geographical location.
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Language and knowledge exams, internships, and state licensing
To become a pharmacist as an international student in the United States, you will need to meet specific requirements, including language and knowledge exams, internships, and state licensing. Here is a detailed overview:
Language and Knowledge Exams
Before applying for a pharmacy license or state board exam, foreign-educated pharmacists must obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification. This certification ensures that your education is comparable to that of US-educated pharmacists. The FPGEC process involves several steps, including submitting an application and having your credentials evaluated, and passing the FPGEE exam. International test sites are not accepted for the FPGEC, and all four sections of the exam must be completed in one testing session. Remote or at-home options are not accepted either. Passing the FPGEE earns you FPGEC certification, after which you must pass two more national exams.
Internships
After passing the necessary exams, you will be required to complete a certain number of internship hours. During this time, you will gain valuable hands-on experience and earn money while working in a pharmacy setting. The number of required internship hours varies by state, so be sure to check the requirements for your specific state.
State Licensing
Each state in the US has different requirements for obtaining a pharmacist license. Once you have completed your education, exams, and internship hours, you can apply for state licensure. Contact the state board of pharmacy in your desired state to learn about their specific requirements, including any additional state-specific exams. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) provides guidance and oversees important exams, but your state licensing board has the final authority to issue your license.
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Bachelor's degree and Pharm.D. program options
International students aspiring to become pharmacists can pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree in the United States. However, it is important to note that the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (B.S.) degree is no longer offered in the U.S. Instead, international students typically enrol in Pharm.D. programs, which have specific requirements that must be met.
Bachelor's Degree Options:
While the B.S. in Pharmacy degree is not available in the U.S., international students can explore Bachelor of Pharmacy programs in other countries. These programs typically have a duration of four to five years and provide a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and related fields. After completing a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, individuals may be eligible to pursue advanced pharmacy studies in the U.S., such as the Pharm.D. degree.
Pharm.D. Program Options:
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is a professional doctoral program that prepares individuals to become licensed pharmacists. In the U.S., the Pharm.D. degree typically requires at least two years of specific pre-professional undergraduate coursework, followed by four academic years (or three calendar years) of professional study. International students can enrol in accredited Pharm.D. programs at colleges or schools of pharmacy.
There are two main pathways for foreign-educated pharmacists to obtain a Pharm.D. degree in the U.S.:
- FPGEC Certification and State Licensure: This pathway is for pharmacists who have completed a five-year pharmacy degree program in their home country and obtained an unrestricted license to practice. They must first obtain FPGEC Certification, which ensures their education meets U.S. standards. After FPGEC Certification, they can pursue state licensure by fulfilling the requirements of their specific state board of pharmacy, which may include additional exams and internship hours.
- ACPE-Accredited Pharm.D. Program: This pathway is for foreign-educated pharmacists who are ineligible for the FPGEC certification process. They must enrol in an entry-level (traditional) Pharm.D. program at an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited institution. This program includes classroom instruction, introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences, and may offer advanced standing based on previous education. Upon graduation, individuals can pursue state licensure, including taking the NAPLEX exam, to become licensed pharmacists in the U.S.
It is important for international students to carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria for each pathway, as well as the specific regulations in their desired state of practice, to ensure they meet all the necessary standards to become licensed pharmacists in the United States.
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Application process and requirements
To become a pharmacist in the United States as an international student, you must complete specific steps to have your foreign qualifications recognized. Here is an overview of the application process and requirements:
- Education Requirements: To be eligible to practice pharmacy in the US, foreign-trained pharmacists must have completed a degree that is equivalent to a 5-year pharmacy degree program in the US. This typically involves having a Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or a similar field.
- FPGEC Certification: Foreign-educated pharmacists must complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification process. This ensures that your foreign education meets the requirements comparable to US pharmacy colleges. The process includes passing the FPGEE exam, which consists of four sections that must be completed in one testing session. There is an associated application fee of $100 and an evaluation fee of $650, which are non-refundable.
- Language Proficiency and Knowledge Exams: You may be required to pass a language proficiency exam, such as the TOEFL iBT, and three knowledge exams. The specific requirements may vary depending on the state in which you intend to practice.
- ACPE-accredited Program: After completing the FPGEC certification, you may need to graduate from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited entry-level Pharm.D. program. This involves completing introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experience (IPEE and APPE) requirements.
- Licensure Examinations: To obtain your pharmacist license, you must pass the required licensure examinations, such as the NAPLEX and MPJE. These examinations are overseen by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), but the specific requirements and eligibility criteria may vary by state.
- Internship Hours: Most states require you to complete a certain number of internship hours in a pharmacy setting before you can apply for your license. This provides you with valuable experience and the opportunity to earn an income during your training.
- State Licensing: Each state has its own board of pharmacy that issues licenses. After completing your examinations and internship hours, you will need to apply for licensure in the state where you intend to practice. The specific requirements may differ from state to state, so it is important to check with the relevant state board.
- Immigration Requirements: As an international student, you must also ensure that you comply with US immigration requirements. This includes maintaining your immigration status and staying informed about the rules and regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security.
It is important to carefully review the requirements for each step of the process, as there may be variations based on your specific circumstances and the state in which you intend to practice pharmacy in the United States.
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Finding employment and salary expectations
The job market for pharmacists varies depending on the country and geographical location. For example, in the United States, the demand for pharmacists differs across the country. Schools of Pharmacy do not guarantee that international graduates will find employment after graduation. Therefore, it is important to research the job market in your desired location before committing to a program. Networking and gaining relevant work experience during your studies can also increase your chances of finding employment.
In the United Kingdom, overseas pharmacists are required to complete a set of steps to register and practice as a pharmacist. These steps include completing the Overseas Pharmacists' Assessment Programme (OSPAP), a one-year postgraduate diploma program, and 52 weeks of pre-registration training in England, Scotland, or Wales. After completing these requirements, you must pass the registration assessment administered by the GPhC to become eligible to practice as a pharmacist in the UK.
In Canada, international students must meet specific requirements to become licensed pharmacists, including completing an accredited pharmacy program and passing the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada's Pharmacist Evaluating Exam.
As for salary expectations, the average salary for a pharmacist is £52,585 per year in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the average salary is $64.67 per hour. Meanwhile, in Canada, the average hourly wage for a pharmacist is $53.62. These figures can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of employer.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a pharmacist in the US as an international student, you need to have completed a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program. This requires at least 2 years of specific pre-professional (undergraduate) coursework followed by 4 academic years (or 3 calendar years) of professional study.
To be eligible for the Pharm.D. degree program, you must have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a related field.
To get your qualifications recognized, you must first complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification process. This ensures that your education meets the requirements of US pharmacy colleges. After this, you must pass two more national exams and complete your internship hours.
To become a licensed pharmacist in the US, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). You may also be required to pass a language proficiency exam.
