Key Takeaways
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Passing OPRA does not mean you are a fully registered pharmacist in Australia.
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After OPRA, eligible overseas pharmacists can progress towards provisional registration and supervised practice.
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The main job to look for at this stage is usually an Intern Pharmacist / Pharmacy Intern position.
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You can search for internships through job portals, LinkedIn, pharmacy company websites, hospitals, recruiters and direct applications.
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Your CV, previous pharmacy experience, communication skills and interview preparation can all affect your chances of securing an internship.
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Intern pharmacist salaries vary depending on the employer, location, pharmacy setting, working hours and employment conditions.
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The current supervised practice requirement is 1,575 hours, subject to the Pharmacy Board's requirements.
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You also need to complete an approved Intern Training Program (ITP).
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You need to pass the Intern Written Exam and Pharmacy Oral Exam before progressing to general registration.
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Elite Expertise can support overseas pharmacists with OPRA, Australian intern exam preparation and structured guidance throughout the registration journey.
What Happens After Passing OPRA and What Job Should You Look For?
After passing OPRA, your next major goal is to move towards provisional registration and find a suitable intern pharmacist position.
Passing OPRA is an important achievement, but it is only one stage of the Australian pharmacist pathway.
The general pathway is:
OPRA → Skills Assessment Outcome → Provisional Registration → Internship → Intern Training Program → Written Exam → Oral Exam → General Registration
For an overseas pharmacist, the first job you look for after OPRA will generally be an intern pharmacist position, rather than a fully registered pharmacist position.
What is an intern pharmacist?
An intern pharmacist is a pharmacist completing supervised practice and training before applying for general registration.
During your internship, you can gain practical Australian pharmacy experience in areas such as:
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Dispensing
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Prescription assessment
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Patient counselling
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Medication management
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Pharmacy calculations
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OTC recommendations
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Medication safety
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Communication with healthcare professionals
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Australian pharmacy law
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Professional practice
Your internship is therefore more than just a job.
It is an important part of your professional registration pathway.
What jobs should you search for a pharmacy internship in Australia?
Use different search terms when looking for vacancies:
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Intern Pharmacist
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Pharmacy Intern
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Graduate Pharmacist
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Intern Pharmacist Program
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Graduate Pharmacist Program
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Provisional Pharmacist
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Hospital Pharmacy Intern
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Community Pharmacy Intern
You may find opportunities in both community and hospital pharmacy settings, depending on vacancies and the requirements of the position.
How Can You Find an Intern Pharmacist Job in Australia?
The best way to find an internship is to use several job-search methods instead of relying on one website.
1. Search online job portals
Search websites such as:
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SEEK
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LinkedIn Jobs
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Indeed
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Other Australian pharmacy job websites
Try location-specific searches such as:
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Intern Pharmacist Melbourne
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Intern Pharmacist Sydney
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Pharmacy Intern Brisbane
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Intern Pharmacist Perth
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Graduate Pharmacist Australia
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Hospital Pharmacy Intern
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Community Pharmacy Intern
2. Check pharmacy company websites
Large pharmacy groups, independent pharmacies and hospital networks may advertise internships through their own career pages.
Make a list of employers you would like to work for and check their vacancies regularly.
3. Use LinkedIn
LinkedIn is useful not only for finding vacancies but also for networking.
You can:
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Follow pharmacy companies
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Connect with pharmacy managers
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Follow recruiters
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Search for intern vacancies
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Join relevant pharmacy communities
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Contact recruiters professionally
4. Apply directly to pharmacies
Don't wait for every pharmacy to advertise a vacancy.
You can identify pharmacies in your preferred area and send them your:
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CV
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Cover letter
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OPRA status
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Registration status
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Availability
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Contact details
Direct applications can be particularly useful for independent pharmacies.
5. Contact recruitment agencies
Some pharmacy recruitment agencies work with community pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare employers.
6. Use networking
Talk to:
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Registered pharmacists
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Current interns
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Other overseas pharmacists
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Pharmacy recruiters
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Professional contacts
People who have already completed the Australian registration pathway
Sometimes networking can help you hear about opportunities before they are widely advertised.
What Should You Include in Your CV and What Should You Check Before Accepting an Internship?
Your CV should clearly show your pharmacy qualification, OPRA status, experience and Australian registration pathway.
What should your Australian pharmacist CV include?
Keep it simple and professional, which Includes:
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Name and contact details
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Professional summary
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Pharmacy qualification
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OPRA result/status
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Registration status
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Pharmacy experience
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Hospital or community pharmacy experience
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Clinical skills
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Patient counselling experience
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Medication management experience
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Relevant certifications
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English language qualification, where relevant
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References, if requested
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Highlight your previous pharmacy experience
If you have worked in:
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Hospital pharmacy
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Community pharmacy
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Retail pharmacy
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Clinical pharmacy
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Medication counselling
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Prescription processing
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Patient care
make these skills easy to see.
For example, instead of simply writing:Worked as a pharmacist for 3 years.
You could explain: Experienced in prescription processing, medication dispensing, patient counselling, medication safety, stock management and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
This gives the employer a clearer picture of your skills.
What should you check before accepting an internship?
Do not look at salary alone.
Before accepting an internship, ask about:
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Registration and supervision
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Will the position support my supervised practice requirements?
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Who will be my supervising pharmacist?
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Is there a structured training plan?
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How will my progress be monitored?
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Working conditions
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How many hours will I work each week?
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Will I need to work weekends?
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What is the salary?
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Are penalty rates applicable?
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What are the employment conditions?
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Exam preparation
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Will I have time to study?
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Is there support for the Intern Written Exam?
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Can I attend required training sessions?
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Workplace environment
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How many pharmacists work there?
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How busy is the pharmacy?
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What type of patients do you usually serve?
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Will I receive regular feedback?
A good internship should help you earn, learn and progress towards registration.
How Much an Intern Pharmacist Earns in Australia? Average Pharmacy Intern Salary in Australia – 2026
According to the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012), the current minimum rates are:
| Internship Stage | Weekly Pay | Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Half of Training | AUD $1,291.50 | AUD $33.99/hour |
| 2nd Half of Training | AUD $1,335.50 | AUD $35.14/hour |
This means a full-time intern working under this award could earn approximately:
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AUD $67,158/year during the first half of training
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AUD $69,446/year during the second half of training
These are approximate annualised figures based on 52 weeks and the listed weekly minimum rates, before tax.
And the rates can be significantly higher for certain working hours.
For example, the pay guide lists:
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AUD $50.99/hour for certain evening/overtime periods during the first half
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AUD $67.98/hour for certain late-evening/overtime periods
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AUD $76.48/hour on a public holiday
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Up to AUD $84.98/hour for public-holiday overtime
The exact rate depends on the time, day, classification and type of work.
Official Fair Work Pharmacy Industry Award Pay Guide
There is no single salary for every intern pharmacist in Australia.
Intern salaries can vary depending on:
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Employer
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State or territory
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Location
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Community or hospital pharmacy
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Previous experience
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Working hours
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Weekend work
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Public holiday work
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Employment agreement
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Applicable award or pay conditions
Because salaries and employment conditions can change, always check the current job advertisement and employment agreement before accepting an offer.
What can affect your total income?
| Factor | How It Can Affect Your Income |
|---|---|
| Location | Salaries and living costs can differ |
| Employer | Different employers offer different packages |
| Pharmacy Setting | Hospital and community roles may differ |
| Experience | Previous relevant experience may strengthen your application |
| Working Hours | More hours can increase total earnings |
| Weekends/Public Holidays | Additional rates may apply depending on employment conditions |
| Contract/Award | Determines minimum pay and conditions |
What Happens During the Internship and How Many Hours Do You Need?
During your internship, you gain Australian pharmacy experience while completing the supervised practice and training requirements for general registration.
The current supervised practice requirement is 1,575 hours, subject to the Pharmacy Board's requirements.
Your internship generally combines:
Workplace experience + supervised practice + structured training + exam preparation
What will you learn?
You may develop skills in:
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Patient counselling
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Dispensing
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Medication review
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Clinical decision-making
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Pharmacy calculations
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Australian pharmacy law
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Professional standards
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Medication safety
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Communication
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Working with other healthcare professionals
Do you need an Intern Training Program?
Yes. An approved Intern Training Program is part of the pathway to general registration.
The ITP helps you understand Australian pharmacy practice and prepares you for the registration examinations.
Can you work and study at the same time?
Yes. Your internship, training and exam preparation generally happen alongside each other.
The exact routine depends on your working hours and personal situation.
The important thing is to start preparing early rather than waiting until the end of the internship.
What Exams Do You Need to Pass After the Internship?
After OPRA, you still need to complete the registration examinations before progressing to general registration.
There are two major examinations:
Australian Intern Pharmacist Written Exam
The Intern Written Exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council as part of the pathway to general registration.
The current exam is:
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75 questions
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2 hours
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Computer-based
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Restricted open-book
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Includes multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions
The permitted reference books currently include the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) and Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF) in physical copies.
The exam tests areas including:
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Pharmacy law
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Patient-centred care
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Medication management
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Therapeutics
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Pharmaceutical calculations
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Compounding
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Health promotion
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Safe pharmacy practice
Candidates generally need to complete at least 75% of the required supervised practice hours to be eligible for the Intern Written Exam.
Australian Intern Pharmacist Oral Exam
The Pharmacy Oral Exam is delivered by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
It focuses on your ability to:
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Communicate with patients
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Apply clinical knowledge
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Solve pharmacy-related problems
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Make safe professional decisions
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Understand legal and professional responsibilities
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Respond appropriately to real-life pharmacy situations
| Intern Pharmacist Written Exam | Intern Pharmacist Oral Exam |
|---|---|
| Computer-based | Oral/practical assessment |
| Tests knowledge and application | Tests communication and professional decision-making |
| 75 questions | Scenario-based assessment |
| Conducted by APC | Delivered by the Pharmacy Board |
You need to successfully complete both examinations as part of the pathway to general registration.
What Happens After Completing the Internship and How Can Elite Expertise Help?
After completing the required supervised practice, Intern Training Program and registration examinations, you can progress towards general registration.
The final stages are:
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Complete the required supervised practice.
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Complete the Intern Training Program.
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Pass the Intern Written Exam.
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Pass the Pharmacy Oral Exam.
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Complete the required preceptor sign-offs and documentation.
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Apply for general registration.
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Once registered, explore pharmacist career opportunities across Australia.
What jobs can you look for after general registration?
Once you become a registered pharmacist, your career options can include:
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Community Pharmacist
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Hospital Pharmacist
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Clinical Pharmacist
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Aged Care Pharmacist
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Medication Review Pharmacist
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Oncology Pharmacist
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Compounding Pharmacist
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Pharmacy Manager
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Pharmaceutical industry roles
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Other pharmacy-related positions
Your opportunities can expand as you gain Australian experience and additional qualifications.
How can Elite Expertise help?
Elite Expertise helps overseas pharmacists prepare for key stages of the Australian pharmacist registration journey.
Passing OPRA is only the beginning. Many students then need support with understanding Australian pharmacy practice and preparing for the Intern Written and Pharmacy Oral Exams.
Elite Expertise provides structured training that can include:
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Live classes
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Recorded sessions
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Exam-focused study materials
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Practice questions
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Mock exams
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Revision sessions
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Scenario-based preparation
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Australian pharmacy practice guidance
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Structured study support
Why start early?
You don't have to wait until your internship is almost complete to begin preparing.
Early preparation can help you:
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Understand the exam pattern
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Identify weak areas
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Improve clinical knowledge
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Practise calculations
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Improve problem-solving
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Build communication skills
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Become familiar with Australian pharmacy practice
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Develop confidence before exam day
Prepare early. Practise consistently. Understand Australian pharmacy practice. Build confidence.
That's the approach Elite Expertise aims to support throughout your Australian pharmacist journey.
What Is the Complete OPRA-to-Pharmacist Job Pathway and What Mistakes Should You Avoid?
The Australian pharmacist journey after OPRA can be understood as a step-by-step pathway from assessment to internship and finally general registration.
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Step 1: Pass OPRA
Complete the OPRA examination.
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Step 2: Complete your post-OPRA requirements
Progress with your Skills Assessment Outcome and registration requirements.
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Step 3: Apply for provisional registration
Move towards provisional registration through Ahpra and the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
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Step 4: Find an internship
Search for an Intern Pharmacist or Pharmacy Intern position.
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Step 5: Complete supervised practice
Complete the required supervised practice, currently 1,575 hours, subject to the applicable requirements.
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Step 6: Complete your Intern Training Program
Complete the required structured training.
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Step 7: Pass the Intern Written Exam
Prepare for and pass the written registration examination.
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Step 8: Pass the Pharmacy Oral Exam
Demonstrate your clinical reasoning, communication and professional practice skills.
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Step 9: Apply for general registration
Once all requirements have been completed, apply for general registration.
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Step 10: Start your registered pharmacist career
After registration, you can explore a wider range of pharmacist roles across Australia.
What mistakes should you avoid while finding a job in Australia?
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Mistake 1: Searching for only one job
Use job portals, LinkedIn, company websites, recruiters, direct applications and networking.
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Mistake 2: Applying with a generic CV
Make sure your CV clearly shows your pharmacy experience, OPRA status and registration pathway.
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Mistake 3: Looking only at salary
Supervision, training and exam support are equally important.
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Mistake 4: Not checking the internship requirements
Make sure the position can support your supervised practice and registration pathway.
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Mistake 5: Ignoring networking
Speaking to pharmacists, interns and recruiters can help you discover opportunities.
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Mistake 6: Starting exam preparation too late
Your internship can be busy. Start preparing for the written and oral exams early.
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Mistake 7: Following outdated information
Pharmacy registration requirements can change. Always check the latest official information before making important decisions.
Conclusion
Passing OPRA is a major achievement, but it is the beginning of your Australian pharmacist career journey.
For most overseas pharmacists, the next major goal is to secure a suitable intern pharmacist position, complete supervised practice and prepare for the registration examinations.
The journey can be summarised as:
OPRA → Provisional Registration → Internship → 1,575 Hours Supervised Practice → Intern Training Program → Intern Written Exam → Pharmacy Oral Exam → General Registration → Pharmacist Career
Finding the right internship is important because it is not simply your first job in Australia. It is also an important part of your registration journey.
Prepare a strong CV, apply consistently, use different job-search methods, ask the right questions before accepting an internship and start preparing for your registration exams early.
With the right preparation and guidance, your journey from OPRA-qualified overseas pharmacist to registered pharmacist in Australia can become much easier to understand and manage.
From OPRA to Your First Pharmacist Job in Australia
Securing the right internship and passing your Intern Written and Oral Exams are just as important as clearing OPRA. Elite Expertise supports overseas pharmacists at every stage, guided by practising Australian clinical pharmacists.
Talk to Our Experts →