Pharmacist Jobs — Australia

Opportunities abound for overseas-trained Hospital and Retail Pharmacists wishing to find a job in Australia. While a variety of jobs can be found all States and Territories, there is a particularly strong demand for Hospital Pharmacists in regional and remote areas. In fact, the demand for skilled Hospital Pharmacists in these regions is now so high that new opportunities for sponsorship are constantly arising. Browse the latest job vacancies for Pharmacists in Australia now!

If you are still overseas it is a good idea to apply to Recruitment Agencies up to two years before you arrive and Jobs within a month of arrival. This helps to determine which City and State has the best opportunities and assistance may be offered with professional Registration and your Visa.

• Getting your qualifications and experience recognised
• Determining your eligibility for the APEC examination
• The APEC examination process
• How long will it take to get my qualifications and experience assessed?
• Registering as a Pharmacist in Australia
• Useful links for pharmacists seeking jobs in Australia

Note on timeframes for professionals: Register with agencies up to two years before you arrive. Apply to specific job postings no earlier than one month before you arrive.

Getting your qualifications and experience recognised

Before you can legally work as a Hospital or Retail Pharmacist in Australia, you will need to have your qualifications and experience formally recognised by the Australian Pharmacy Examining Committee (APEC) — a branch of the national peak body representing Pharmacists in Australia, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

The assessment process for most people wishing to register as Pharmacists in Australia comprises two stages: an eligibility assessment and an examination process. The examination stage is also comprised of two phases: Phase One and Phase Two.

Determining your eligibility for the APEC examination

In order to be eligible to sit the examination phase of the APEC assessment process, you are required to have completed at least three years of tertiary study at a recognised educational institution (i.e. hold a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy) and be registered as a Pharmacist in the country where your qualification was attained. In addition to this, you are required to have had some professional work experience and be able pass an English language proficiency test.

The APEC examination process

After APEC assesses your qualifications, experience and language skills, if successful, you are then required to undertake another examination process. This additional stage involves an interview, two separate examinations, and a period of supervised work. Upon successful completion of this, applicants will receive the APEC Certificate in Pharmacy.

For additional information on the APEC assessment and examination process, or to see sample exam questions and to obtain application forms, visit the APEC website.

How long will it take to get my qualifications and experience assessed?

Provided applicants are eligible to sit the APEC examinations and that they pass both the phase one and phase two exams, the entire assessment process will take approximately 12-18 months. Applicants should therefore look into this well before their arrival in Australia and note that this does not include the time it will take to register as a Pharmacist, which is a separate process for each Australian State and/or Territory (see below).

Note: if you gained your qualifications in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK or the U.S.A., the APEC assessment process should not take as long.

Registering as a Pharmacist in Australia

Unlike in some countries there is no nation-wide registry of Pharmacists in Australia; each State or Territory has its own registry. As registration can be a costly process, overseas-trained Pharmacists wishing to work in Australia should decide in which jurisdiction/s they would most like to work before registering. Pharmacists are encouraged to Register with Agencies well in advance of arrival so that you can find out where the opportunities are for your experience.

Useful links for pharmacists seeking jobs in Australia

• Get you qualifications and experience recognised through the Australian Pharmacy Council
• It’s best to get your visa sorted ASAP
• Register with recruitment agencies up to 2 years before arrival

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