Pharmacist Career in Australia: A Guide for Retail Work Opportunities, and Permanent Migration

Australia is one of the dream countries for pharmacists abroad considering the opportunities, work life balance, the salary structure, and the respect for profession. Australia is one the best places that provides a wide range of opportunities and rewarding environment for pharmacists, especially in the community pharmacist also known as the retail sector. Australia offers a clear and structured pathway to overseas pharmacists planning to migrate permanently. In this blog let’s discuss the retail work opportunities and permanent residency options for pharmacists abroad seeking Australia.

Retail Pharmacy Opportunities in Australia

The demand for retail pharmacists or community pharmacists in Australia is high, with numerous positions available across the country. There are over 2,600 pharmacist jobs available in Australia considering the latest information.

seek.com.au

Community or Retail pharmacists in Australia roles and responsibilities:

Dispensing medications, advising patients on the proper use of medicines, and promoting health and wellness. The role has evolved to include services such as vaccination clinics, health screenings, and comprehensive medication reviews, expanding the scope of practice and opening substantial career opportunities for overseas-trained pharmacists.(psa.org.au)

Pathways to Permanent Migration for Pharmacists

Australia recognizes pharmacists as a skilled occupation, making them eligible for various visa options leading to permanent residency. Key pathways include:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Pharmacists using the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) can live and work anywhere in Australia without regard for state or employer sponsorship. Eligibility is based on a points system, considering factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency, etc (Department of home affairs)

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Pharmacists can be nominated by an Australian state or territory government under the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), which could call for a commitment to work in that area for a designated period. This nomination raises points on the applicant's profile, improving their chances of getting an invitation to apply. (Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa)

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Pharmacists ready to live and work in approved regional areas will be eligible. It provides a route to permanent residency following specific requirements, such as living and working in the regional area for a designated period. (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

Steps to Migrate as a Pharmacist

The migration process involves several critical steps:

1. Skills Assessment: The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) conducts the initial skills assessment. Applicants must provide documents including:

• pharmacy degree,

• academic transcripts,

• professional registration,

• proof of identity, and

• evidence of relevant work experience (if any).

Knowledge Stream skills assessment outcome | Australian Pharmacy Council

2. OPRA exam: Candidates from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and so on need to go through the OPRA exam pathway.

3. English Language Proficiency: Proving the English language skills is a mandate to migrate to Australia and to register as a pharmacist in Australia. AHPRA accepts tests such as PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL IBT, and OET. A high score in the English language proficiency test is an add-on considering the visa point system.

4. Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia: After a successful skills assessment, pharmacists must register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia to practice legally. After the completion of the OPRA exam and migrating to Australia, it is mandatory for the candidate to complete an internship program. After completion of at least 75% of the intern hours, the candidate then appears for the intern written exam (conducted by APC) and the intern oral exam (conducted by Aphra). (pharmacyboard.gov.au)

Salary Expectations

The salary structure in Australia for the retail or community pharmacist is quite pleasing, with an approximate range of AUD 80000 to AUD 120000 annually, considering the experience.

Final thoughts:

For pharmacists looking for retail employment or permanent migration, Australia offers a promising scene. Pharmacists can start a fulfilling career and significantly help the Australian healthcare system by knowing the several visa options and meeting the requirements. The process is strenuous yet fruitful.

Also read the following blogs to know in-depth about:

OPRA exam: https://www.eliteexpertise.com.au/overseas-pharmacists-readiness-assessment-opratm

CAOP exam: https://www.eliteexpertise.com.au/choosing-the-right-path-to-become-a-pharmacist-in-australia-opra-vs-caop

OPRA English language requirements: https://www.eliteexpertise.com.au/english-language-proficiency-tests-for-australia-after-the-opra-exam

Pharmacist Salaries: https://www.eliteexpertise.com.au/pharmacist-salary-in-australia

Visa options for Australia: https://www.eliteexpertise.com.au/visa-options-for-pharmacists

About the Author

Arief Mohammad

Mr. Arief Mohammad is renowned for his excellent teaching skills and practice-based experience which can contribute to developing practice-based knowledge for a learner. He has been a practicing pharmacist in Australia for the last 5 years and has been a preceptor to several students and intern pharmacists.

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