The OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) exam is an important step for global pharmacists actively looking to practise in Australia. However, passing the test is only the beginning of the journey. Once you pass the OPRA exam, the next steps involve registration, visa processing, and job hunting. You will have an easier time settling into your new professional life in Australia if you know these steps.
Apply for Provisional Registration
After clearing the exam, the first step is to apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA). The registration allows you to complete an internship under the Australian pharmacy system. The application is handled by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
You might be required to submit additional documents as part of the registration procedure, such as the results of your English language proficiency test, proof of identity, and a background check. Once approved, you will receive your provisional registration certificate, which is valid for the duration of your internship.
Complete the Supervised Internship (Intern Pharmacist in Australia)
To get full registration, all international pharmacists must complete a 1,575-hour supervised internship in an Australian pharmacy setting. The internship offers hands-on experience with pharmaceutical regulations, patient care procedures, and the Australian healthcare system.
Internships can be undertaken in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or industry-based settings, depending on availability and career aspirations. You will be working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who will evaluate your readiness for practising independently.
Prepare for the Pharmacy Board Exam (Oral Examination)
The oral examination administered by the Pharmacy Board is the final step toward becoming a fully registered pharmacist in Australia. This tests your practical skills, decision-making abilities, and understanding of the pharmacy regulations in Australia.
The oral exam consists of case-based scenarios where you are expected to demonstrate your knowledge of dispensing medications, handling patient interactions, and following ethical and legal guidelines. Preparing thoroughly for this exam is essential, as it determines your ability to work independently in Australia.
Apply for General Registration
You can apply for general registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia after completing the internship successfully and passing the oral exam. You can work independently as a pharmacist anywhere in Australia once you’ve registered.
After approval, you will receive your General Registration Certificate, officially making you a licensed pharmacist in Australia.
When you fill the application, the process involves:
- A proof stating that you have completed the internship
- Documents that you have cleared the exam
- Regulatory documents
After approval, you will receive your General Registration Certificate, officially making you a licensed pharmacist in Australia.
Explore Job Opportunities
You can explore the various employment options in the retail, hospital, research, and industrial pharmacy sectors after completing general registration. It is somewhat easier to search for a job in Australia, because there is a high demand for pharmacists, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The strategies involved in the job search are as follows:
- Making connections with other pharmacists, trade associations, and employment agencies is known as networking.
- Job portals online: Pharmacist positions are listed on the online job searching portals such as Indeed, Seek, and the Health Workforce portal of the Australian Government.
- Sponsorship & Employer-Sponsored Visas: To facilitate the immigration process, some firms provide sponsorship for visas.
Consider Permanent Residency (PR)
To settle in Australia permanently, Permanent Residency (PR) is an excellent option. Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) frequently includes pharmacists, making them qualified for skilled migration schemes such as the Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas.
After getting PR in Australia, you can work and live there indefinitely, can access their healthcare benefits, andeven apply for the citizenship in the future. The official Department of Home Affairs website or consulting a migration agent can assist you in navigating the PR application process.
Read More: How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam Australia
Conclusion
Passing the OPRA exam is only the first step in becoming an Australian registered pharmacist. To get your position secured in the Australian healthcare system, the following steps are to be take care of: provisional registration, internship, oral exam, and general registration, you can look for the career opportunities and apply for the permanent residency.
With an absolute top notch plan, you can establish a successful career in Australia and have a rewarding career in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.
