Indian pharmacist work and migration to Australia

Become a Pharmacist in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide for Overseas Candidates.
Are you thinking of becoming a pharmacist in Australia, but you're from another country? Don't worry, we are there to guide you!

Here's What You Need to Do:
1. Skills Assessment: It is like a report card for your pharmacy experience.
2. Pass the OPRA Exam: A specialized exam designed to test the skills of a pharmacist.
3. Apply for a Visa: This visa gives you the right to live and work in Australia.
4. Internship: Practical job training to help you become a registered pharmacist.
5. Registered Pharmacist: Finally, a registered pharmacist in Australia.

Elite Expertise can help you do all that through these five steps with expert guidance.
We can help you in this process through the expert guidance of Elite Expertise. Let's get started on your pharmacy career path in Australia!

Move to Australia:
A Dream Come True for Every Pharmacist!
Are you a pharmacist looking to work abroad with the highest package? Australia is a wonderful place to live and work, as it offers work-life balance, top-notch hospitals, and exciting job opportunities.

Why migrate to Australia as a pharmacist?
- Enjoy work-life balance.
- Work with the latest healthcare technology.
- Advance your pharmacy career

Ready to Move?
As an overseas pharmacist who wishes to work in Australia as a pharmacist, the whole process seems a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, we have a step-by-step guide to help you get through the process.

Why Australia for Your Pharmacy Career?
Are you considering a move to Australia for your pharmacy career? Here are some compelling reasons to make the switch:

1. High Demand for Pharmacists
Currently, there exist candidate shortages for pharmacists in various domains in Australia, creating wonderful job opportunities, making it an ideal time to join the workforce.

2. Average and Competitive Salaries
A pharmacist in Australia would earn AUD 80,000 to AUD 120,000, but that is dependent on the individual's level of experience and area of training.

3. Good Work-Life Balance
Enjoy flexible work hours and a better balance between work and personal life. Choose from full-time, part-time, or locum positions that suit your lifestyle perfectly.

4. Pathway to Permanent Residency
As pharmacy is listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, you may be eligible for visa options that lead to permanent residency.

STEPS TO BECOME A REGISTERED PHARMACIST IN AUSTRALIA

Step 1: Skills Assessment
To become a registered pharmacist in Australia, you need to start with a skills assessment. Here's what you need to do:

- Pharmacy Degree Verification: Make sure your degree is from a recognized university.
- Application Fee: Pay AUD 810 for the assessment.

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) will review your application to ensure you have the necessary qualifications and skills.

Step 2: OPRA Exam
Once your skills assessment is approved, you can move on to the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam.

Here are some key points to know:

- What is the OPRA exam?:

The OPRA exam is a comprehensive assessment that tests your knowledge, skills, and competencies as a pharmacist.

- Format of the OPRA exam:

The OPRA exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.

- Syllabus/Content of the OPRA exam:

Topics Covered in OPRA Exam
The OPRA exam assesses knowledge in the following areas:

1. Biomedical Sciences—20% of questions
2. Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics—10% of questions
3. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics—10% of questions
4. Pharmacology and Toxicology—15% of questions
5. Therapeutics and Patient Care—45% of questions

These topics are designed to test your knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice, which must meet Australian pharmacy practice standards.

- Duration of the OPRA exam: The exam typically lasts for 2.5 hours.

- OPRA exam dates: The exam is conducted 3 times a year, typically held in March, July, and November each year.

- OPRA exam fees: You need to pay a fee of 2190 AUD to register for the OPRA exam.

By understanding these key points, you increase your chances of preparing well for the OPRA exam, thus moving one step further into being registered as a pharmacist in Australia.

Step 3: Provisional Registration & Visa Requirements

Provisional Registration
After passing the OPRA exam, apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (regulated by Ahpra).

This registration allows you to complete supervised practice (internship) in Australia.

How to Apply for Provisional Registration in Australia
Here's how to go about applying for provisional registration:

1. On the Ahpra website: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/ Log into the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) with the help of your supervisor.

2. Fill out the application: Fill out the form for applying for provisional registration.

3. Required Documents for Submission:
- OPRA examination results
- Current valid passport and similar identification documents
- English proficiency tests
- Criminal background check

4. Pay the registration fees (2025):
- AUD 135: application fee.
- AUD 235: provisional registration fee.

Visa Requirements
To practice in Australia, a candidate must apply for the relevant visa. For this, you need to ensure visa requirements set by the Australian government.

Step 4: Supervised Practice (Internship)
Learn Practical Experience
Now start your internship under a registered pharmacist (preceptor). This experience allows you an opportunity to do the following:
- Understand the Australian healthcare system.
- Learn practical skills.

Internship Details
- Duration: 1,575 hours of practical learning (around 1 year of full-time work).
- Intern Training Programs (ITP): Registration for an approved program offered by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Intern Written & Oral Exams
Assessment Time
After completing at least 75% of your internship hours, you're eligible for the:

1. Intern Written Exam
2. Intern Oral Exam

Intern Written Exam
- Conducted by: Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
- Exam Fee: Approximately AUD 770 per attempt
- Exam Dates: Held 3 times a year:
February
June
October

2025 Intern Written Exam Dates
February Intern Written Exam Dates
- Registration: 7 January - 27 January 2025
- Exam Dates: 17 - 18 February 2025
- Results Released: 13 March 2025

June Intern Written Exam Dates
- Registration: 18 March - 19 May 2025
- Exam Dates: 16 - 17 June 2025
- Results Released: 10 July 2025

October Intern Written Exam Dates
- Registration: 15 July - 1 September 2025
- Exam Dates: 6 - 8 October 2025
- Results Released: 30 October 2025

Intern Oral Exam

- The intern oral exam is conducted by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
- For practical knowledge, which includes:
Case study
Patient history taking
Ethical decision-making based on the patient condition

- Intern Oral Exam Fees: approximately AUD 415 for 1 attempt.


Step 5: Application for General Registration

Final Step to Become a Registered Pharmacist in Australia

After you complete your internship and take your intern exams, you will be eligible to apply for general registration for AHPRA.

Steps on how to apply for general registration

1. Online Application: Create an application on the AHPRA website.
2. Internship Completion Certificate: Upload your intern certificate on the AHPRA website.
3. Exam Results and ID Documents: Attach your intern exam results as well as identification documents, which are required as per AHPRA.
4. Registration Fees: 470 AUD.
5. Application Approval: Once you get approval, finally, you will officially be a registered pharmacist in Australia.

Why Choose Elite Expertise for OPRA Exam Preparation?

Elite Expertise is one of the top and best choices for OPRA exam preparation:

Experienced Educators
- Learn from accredited consultant clinical pharmacists, Australia

The educators are :- Mr Arief Mohammad

Mrs Harika Bheemavarapu

- With years of experience teaching thousands of students across the world
- Expertise in teaching various licensure exams (KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI) for countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland

Comprehensive and detailed study materials
- Mock exams
- Detailed handouts covering all the subjects

E-Learning
- Live interactive lectures
- Recorded lectures
- Study anytime, anywhere based on your schedule and flexibility.

High Success Rate
- Above 95% of students passed the KAPS exam on their first attempt.
- Check out the student reviews and testimonials.

Join Elite Expertise today and start your pharmacy career in Australia by enrolling in the OPRA Preparation Course!

Conclusion
"The OPRA exam is an important stepping stone for overseas pharmacists who wish to work as pharmacists in Australia. With Elite Expertise's comprehensive study materials, flexible learning options (live interactive sessions & recorded lectures), and experienced educators MR. Arief Mohammad and MRS. Harika Bheemavarapu, you'll be well-prepared to succeed. Join the thousands of students who have achieved a 95% on their first attempt with Elite Expertise.
Master the OPRA exam and begin your pharmacy career in Australia. Learn more about OPRA exam preparation and registration procedures now!