It is famous that becoming a registered pharmacist in the USA is more difficult than becoming a USA. citizen. The reason behind this is that it is a highly competitive industry. It is perhaps because the USA. is one of the driving forces that is pushing the global pharmacy profession forward. Pharmacists in the USA are among the highest-paid pharmacists in the world. They are earning an average salary of around $128,570, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pharmacist in the USA
There are many other benefits of becoming a pharmacist in the USA which include
- Many chances for continuing education
- Eligibility to work in various clinical settings
- Becoming a part of a strong community of pharmacy professionals
- A handsome salary for a good living standard
Now come to the point. If you are thinking of becoming a registered pharmacist in the USA then carefully read the whole article. I hope the information provided in the article will help you achieve your goal. Do not forget to bookmark this page so that you can refer to it as you proceed on your journey.
Two Ways
There are two ways you can adopt if you want to become a registered pharmacist in the USA.
One Way
The first way is to gain admission to a USA pharmacy school that accepts international students.
Second Way
The second way is to secure admission to a pharmacy school other than the USA and get a special certification that allows you to practice in the United States.
Requirements of Registration (For USA Pharmacy Students)
The USA pharmacy students must meet certain requirements to become registered pharmacists. For your ease, I am enlisting these requirements in a logical order.
1. Getting a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) Degree
To get a Pharm-D you must study for two years as an undergraduate student and four years of graduate study. Frankly speaking, Non-U.S pharmacy students must meet the same requirements as the U.S students which include prerequisites and standard tests.
I must recommend you apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) because it is the requirement of most of the USA pharmacy schools. Please visit the PharmCAS website to check which schools accept Non-U.S student applications.
2. NAPLEX Exam Clearance
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) conducts a 225-question exam known as the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
If you are a graduate of a USA pharmacy school then you must pass NAPLEX in order to get a license to register as a pharmacist. This exam assesses a pharmacist’s knowledge in various fields like providing safe, efficacious, accurate, and competent pharmacotherapy. You must hold a Pharm-D degree to sit in the NAPLEX exam.
3. Getting a State Board License
It is interesting to know that each USA state has a board of pharmacy. The responsibility of this board is to set requirements for a graduate pharmacist to get a license. Other than passing the NAPLEX and getting a Pharm-D degree you must also apply for a license in a particular state to practice.
The requirements of each state are different as some states made it compulsory for a pharmacist to pass a state law examination. For example Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Other requirements include criminal record checks and appearance before the pharmacy board.
Requirements of Registration (For Non-U.S Pharmacy Students)
Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification clearance is mandatory for Non-U.S pharmacy school graduates. After that, they can apply for registration in the state board of pharmacy. Non-U.S. pharmacists must apply to the NABP in order to be considered for the FPGEC, which reviews foreign education and registration.
1. Educational Background
You must be a graduate of an accredited pharmacy school to apply for the FPGEC certification. Other requirements include documents showing that you are a registered pharmacist and can practice pharmacy in a foreign country.
2. Evaluation Criteria
The following documents are required for evaluation
Official application including
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Transcript
Proof of Degree
Translation of non-English documents
3. License Examinations
Two examinations for non-USA pharmacists must pass to obtain FPGEC certification.
A. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL IBT)
The TOEFL IBT, crucial for non-USA pharmacists seeking to validate their English proficiency, can be taken at any approved testing center worldwide. This exam assesses skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing English, providing a comprehensive measure of an individual’s capability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking environment. Non-USA pharmacists can schedule the TOEFL IBT at any point during their certification process, making it a flexible and accessible requirement for their professional advancement. Typically, pharmacists are required to achieve a minimum score of 89 out of 120, with specific minimums in each section, to meet certification standards.
B. Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE)
The exam contains questions on basic biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social, behavioral, administrative pharmacy sciences, and clinical science. There are a total of 250 questions and you must receive a scaled score of 75 or higher in order to pass. The test is offered twice per year.
In the end, I would like to wish you all the best in your future endeavors! If you’re eager to advance your career, you might find our guide on How to Become a Registered Pharmacist in the UK particularly insightful and inspiring.