stepbystepguidehowtogetapharmacy

[stepbystepguidehowtogetapharmacy]

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Pharmacy Job in Australia

Australia stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for pharmacists globally—thanks to its high-quality healthcare system, excellent work-life balance, and competitive salary structure. For many internationally trained pharmacists, it also offers the added benefit of potential Permanent Residency, making it an attractive career move. If you're considering how to start your pharmacy journey in Australia, this guide is tailored for you.

We’ll walk you through the complete roadmap—from qualification and exams to landing your first job in an Australian pharmacy. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Initial Skills Assessment by APC

Your first step is getting your pharmacy qualifications assessed by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This process ensures your degree aligns with Australian standards and determines whether you’re eligible to take the OPRA exam.

Eligibility criteria include:

A four-year minimum degree in Pharmacy from a recognised university

Active or eligible pharmacy registration in your home country

Documents required:

Certified copies of your degree and academic transcripts

Proof of professional work experience (if applicable)

Valid ID (passport or national identity document)

After completing this step and passing the OPRA exam, you can request the Skills Assessment Outcome Letter from the APC.

Step 2: Pass the OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment)

This is a pivotal requirement for international pharmacists. The OPRA exam tests your readiness to practice in Australia's pharmacy setting. Conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council, it evaluates your clinical skills, decision-making, and foundational pharmaceutical knowledge.

OPRA Exam Format:

Type: Computer-based, multiple choice

Duration: 2.5 hours

Questions: 120 MCQs

Mode: Single paper, no breaks

Syllabus Overview:

Content Area Percentage of Questions

Biomedical sciences 20%

Medicinal chemistry and biopharmaceutics 10%

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics 10%

Pharmacology and toxicology 15%

Therapeutics and patient care 45%

Tips for Preparation:

Use official APC study resources

Practice with mock exams

Join structured preparation programs like those offered by Elite Expertise

Step 3: Demonstrate English Language Proficiency

As English is the language of healthcare in Australia, clearing a recognised language proficiency test is mandatory. Choose any of the following:

IELTS: Minimum score of 7 in each band

PTE Academic: Overall score of 65 or higher

OET Pharmacy Stream: Minimum B grade in all sections

Meeting these language requirements ensures you're ready to communicate effectively in clinical environments.

Step 4: Apply for a Visa to Migrate to Australia

Once you've cleared the OPRA and English exams, you’ll need to apply for a relevant visa. Pharmacists are on the Skilled Occupation List, which gives you access to several visa pathways:

Popular Visa Types:

Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa

Subclass 491: Regional Sponsored Visa

Subclass 482: Employer-Sponsored Visa

Subclass 407: Training Visa

For the smoothest experience, consider working with a registered migration agent.

Step 5: Get Provisional Registration

After arriving in Australia, the next step is securing Provisional Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. This allows you to work under supervision as a pharmacy intern.

Requirements include:

OPRA Exam result

APC Outcome Letter

Proof of English proficiency

Valid identity and visa documentation

Step 6: Complete a Supervised Internship

With your provisional registration, you’ll begin a pharmacy internship under the guidance of a registered pharmacist. This practical experience helps you understand the Australian pharmacy landscape and prepares you for full registration.

Step 7: Attempt the Intern Written Exam

After completing 75% of your internship hours, you’re eligible to take the APC Intern Written Exam. This assessment evaluates your practical knowledge, pharmaceutical calculations, and understanding of professional practice.

Step 8: Pass the APC Intern Oral Exam

Once you’ve cleared the written test, you must also pass the APC Intern Oral Exam. This exam is a critical part of your journey toward full registration and focuses on:

Clinical communication with patients and healthcare professionals

Safe and ethical practice

Real-life pharmacy scenarios

To succeed, consider enrolling in specialised coaching programs that simulate APC oral exam scenarios. Elite Expertise offers personalised training, including mock interviews, role-play sessions, and mentorship from Australian-registered consultant pharmacists.

Step 9: Finish the Internship Hours

After passing both written and oral intern exams, complete the remaining supervised internship hours (a total of 1575 hours as required by the Pharmacy Board). This ensures you're fully prepared for independent practice.

Step 10: Apply for General Registration

Your final step is applying for full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Once approved, you’ll officially be a registered pharmacist eligible to practise anywhere in Australia.

Getting a Pharmacy Job in Australia

Now that you're fully registered, here’s how to find your first pharmacy job in Australia:

Apply to hospitals, community pharmacies, and large pharmacy chains

Network with local pharmacy associations

Use job portals like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn

You’ll be responsible for tasks such as dispensing medications, patient counseling, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

How Elite Expertise Supports You

Elite Expertise provides a comprehensive OPRA and Intern Exam Preparation Course designed for overseas-trained pharmacists. Here’s what we offer:

APC-aligned study resources

Live and recorded classes

Mock exams and structured test simulations

Expert instruction by Australian pharmacists

Support throughout your skill assessment and registration journey

Our training is focused on helping you clear both the OPRA Exam and the APC Intern Oral Exam with confidence.

Final Thoughts

While becoming a pharmacist in Australia involves multiple steps, it’s completely achievable with the right guidance and preparation. From skill assessments to the APC Intern Oral Exam, every stage brings you closer to a fulfilling pharmacy career.

With professional training and structured support from Elite Expertise, your dream of working as a pharmacist in Australia can become a reality. Start your journey today!