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The map of healthcare is changing globally and the prospects of practicing in Australia look quite bright for skilled pharmacists. The health system in Australia being strong, the quality of life that is offered, as well as the availability of jobs for pharmacists has made Australia an option of choice for many Indian pharmacists who may wish to gain international experience. This blog brings into focus about the need of pharmacists in Australia, the process to get a job, the advantages that come along with it and the available prospects for the Indian professionals in this stream.
Table of Content
1Pharmacist in Australia2How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia3Benefits of Working as a Pharmacist in Australia4Job Opportunities for Indian Pharmacists in Australia5Pharmacist Salary in Australia6How to Migrate as a Pharmacist in Australia from India7Concluding Remarks8Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
Pharmacist in Australia
In Australia, pharmacists are working in the healthcare system with a primary responsibility of promoting rational utilisation of medicines. They practise in different points of employment such as community pharmacy, hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and in pharma industries. Pharmacists in Australia are not only the distributors of medicines but also perform functions like medication therapy management, counselling patients as well as health promotion services.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Dispensing medications accurately
- Providing medication counselling to patients
- Working with the healthcare givers to improve on patient outcomes
- Health promotion that involves health check-ups and vaccinations
- Managing pharmacy operations and ensuring compliance with regulations
How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia
Becoming a pharmacist in Australia involves a series of steps to make sure that practitioners meet the country’s professional standards. For Indian pharmacists, the pathway includes education assessment, registration, and sometimes additional examinations.
Educational Requirements:
- Accredited Degree: Obtain a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or a Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) degree from a recognized institution. The degree should be recognized by the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA).
Registration and Licensing Process:
- Credential Assessment: Submit your qualifications to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) for assessment.
- Examination: Depending on your qualification assessment, you may need to pass the APC examinations, which include:
- Pharmacist Knowledge Assessment: Tests your theoretical knowledge.
- Practical Assessment: Evaluates your practical skills in a simulated environment.
- English Proficiency: Provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or OET.
- Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia: Once assessments are passed, apply for registration with the PBA to practice legally in Australia.
Benefits of Working as a Pharmacist in Australia
There are numerous advantages that would result from opting to be a pharmacist in Australia in terms of the general well-being of the individual as well as his/her occupation.
Competitive Salary:
Pharmacists are among the well paid in Australia, with remunerations being among the best in the health care services.
Work-Life Balance:
Australia has always been associated with a focus on work-life balance, a rather moderate number of working hours, and quite generous number of annual holidays.
Professional Growth Opportunities:
The structure of the system promotes lifelong learning in the management of the health care profession in Australia as well as in the capacity of professional development of specialists, certification at the higher level and management.
Healthcare Environment:
The quality of health care services in Australia is rather high, as well as the greatest number of hi-tech equipments, qualified and friendly atmosphere at work to create maximum conditions for the development of innovative activities.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Australia has a multicultural policy that enriches the culture of the country and embraces any diversity in the society, hence providing a favourable backdrop for the employees.
Job Opportunities for Indian Pharmacists in Australia
Indian pharmacists have a wide array of career opportunities across different sectors in Australia. Below is a table outlining potential career paths:
Pharmacist Salary in Australia
Salary for pharmacists in Australia vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the sector of employment. Generally, pharmacists in Australia are well-compensated, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their services.
Average Salaries:
- Entry-Level Pharmacists Salary: AUD 60,000 – AUD 75,000 per annum
- Experienced Pharmacists Salary: AUD 80,000 – AUD 100,000+ per annum
City-Wise Salary Variations:
Salaries can differ significantly across various Australian cities. For instance:
| Australian Cities | Average Salary per year (AUD) |
| Melbourne | $150,218 |
| Sydney | $149,975 |
| Geelong | $141,037 |
| Canberra | $140,201 |
| Newcastle | $136,000 |
| Perth | $135,000 |
| Brisbane | $124,480 |
| Wollongong | $118,000 |
| Hobart | $117,039 |
| Gold Coast | $112,765 |
How to Migrate as a Pharmacist in Australia from India
Migrating to Australia as a pharmacist involves navigating through visa requirements, qualifications assessment, and registration processes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to facilitate the migration journey for Indian pharmacists in Australia.
Visa Options:
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia
- Employer-Sponsored Visas: Such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186).
Points System and Eligibility:
Australia uses a point-based system for skilled migration, considering factors like age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and other criteria.
Steps to Apply for Migration:
- Skills Assessment: Get your qualifications and experience assessed by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
- English Language Test: Achieve the required scores in IELTS or OET.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through Skill Select, indicating your desire to migrate.
- Receive Invitation: If your EOI is selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
- Visa Application: Submit the visa application along with the required documents and fees.
- Registration: Complete the registration process with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Recognizing Qualifications and English Proficiency:
Ensure your pharmacy degree is recognized by the APC. Additionally, demonstrate proficiency in English through accepted tests, as this is a mandatory requirement for registration and visa approval.
Conclusion
Australia has lots to offer for the pharmacists, including lots of job openings for professional development, good pay and a healthy work-life balance. The signs therefore are clear for the Indian pharmacists who wish to broaden their opportunities and work for the Australian health care sector. The above-discussed information indicates that the Indian pharmacists can easily register themselves for Australian migration by meeting the requirements that are mandatory for them, finding challenges and barriers of the registration and migration and exploring the opportunities available in Australia which they can utilise in setting up their career.
Let CanApprove help you begin this journey to improve your professional path and accept all the opportunities which come with being a pharmacist in Australia. Our Australian specialists are eager to assist you throughout the entire process of your journey to Australia. Book a consultation now!
FAQ’s
Is an Indian pharmacist’s degree valid in Australia?
required. To register, you must pass APC exams and complete a supervised internship. Once registered, you can apply
for pharmacist jobs through job portals, agencies, or directly to employers.
How do I register as a pharmacist in Australia?
pharmacy. Complete a supervised internship: This practical experience allows you to apply your knowledge in a real-world
setting. Register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia: Once you’ve passed the exams and completed the internship, you can
apply for registration.
How do I apply for a pharmacist’s job in Australia?
Use job portals: Websites like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn often have pharmacist job listings.Work with recruitment agencies: These agencies specialise in finding candidates for specific roles.
Apply directly to employers: Research hospitals, pharmacies, and healthcare organisations in Australia and submit
your application directly to them.
What are the qualifications required to become a pharmacist in Australia?
A pharmacy degree: This must be from a recognized university.
Successful completion of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) exams: These exams assess your knowledge and skills.
A supervised internship: This practical experience is required to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
