Interview with Maureen Garrity, NABP Competency Assessment Director, on how a foreign pharmacy graduate can become a US pharmacist
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Today\\u2019s episode was inspired by a question several foreign pharmacists have asked me: \\u201cHow can a foreign pharmacy graduate become a US pharmacist?\\u201d\\xa0 I typically refer them to NABP\\u2019s website, however, I also reached out to NABP for a podcast interview to answer their question. It is my hope that foreign pharmacy graduates will value the information provided by my guest, Maureen Garrity.
Maureen Garrity is the Competency Assessment Director for NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy).\\xa0 NABP is the independent, international, and impartial association that works with its members, the state boards of pharmacy, to protect the public health.\\xa0
To help support patient and prescription-drug safety, NABP provides examinations that assess competency, pharmacist licensure transfer and verification services, and various pharmacy accreditation programs like Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites\\xae (VIPPS\\xae) and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS).\\xa0
NABP is proud of their diverse skills and backgrounds, which help them create innovative programs to meet the needs of the state boards of pharmacy.
NABP Website and Social Media Links
Website https://nabp.pharmacy\\xa0
Vocabulary terms and acronyms.\\xa0 (Click the links to learn more.)
ATT
Authorization to Test
FIC\\xa0
FPGEE Identification Card
Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee
FPGEC Candidate Application Bulletin
Outlines application details and requirements for becoming FPGEC Certified
Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination
Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
Communication tool used by NABP, pharmacists, and others.
North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam
Peason VUE Testing Centers deliver the FPGEE, NAPLEX, and MPJE examinations in-person. \\xa0
Pre-FPGEE
FPGEE practice exam using past questions.\\xa0 It can be purchased in the NABP eProfile.
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test
Everything a foreign pharmacy graduate needs to know about becoming a US pharmacist is in the FPGEC Candidate Application Bulletin.\\xa0 First, a candidate must become FPGEC Certified:
\\u2705Complete the FPGEC Certification Application.\\xa0
\\u2705Pass the TOEFL iBT according to the NABP\\u2019s requirements. \\xa0
\\u2705Pass the FPGEE
Once a candidate is FPGEC Certified, they need to reach out to the state board of pharmacy where they want to be licensed (Ex:\\xa0 Ohio).\\xa0 The board of pharmacy will guide them through the process of becoming licensed by taking the NAPLEX and MPJE.\\xa0 NABP does not license pharmacists.\\xa0 They provide examinations that determine licensure.
Sometimes, applicants can not become FPGEC Certified.\\xa0 Reasons may include unmet education requirements or a restricted foreign pharmacist license.\\xa0 How can applicants overcome this barrier?\\xa0 Completing pharmacy school in the US is one option. \\xa0 \\xa0
NABP has high TOEFL score expectations because there\\u2019s a lot at stake:\\xa0 safety and health.\\xa0 US pharmacists must be ready to speak to patients immediately after meeting licensure requirements. \\xa0
How would someone find out that they\\u2019re not qualified as a candidate?\\xa0 The NABP eProfile is a good communication tool for status updates.\\xa0 Email is also used to communicate.
US Pharmacy School students usually graduate in May.\\xa0 May is also important for foreign pharmacy graduates.\\xa0 In May, the registration opens for the FPGEE.\\xa0 The PFGEE is only offered once per year on a single date in October.
Seats are reserved for FPGEE candidates at Pearson VUE Testing Centers on a first-come, first-served basis.\\xa0 Registration closes approximately one month prior to the FPGEE exam date.\\xa0 Why?\\xa0 It takes time to schedule candidates, and it takes time for the NABP to print and send FIC cards to candidates. \\xa0
The NABP created practice exams (Pre-Exams) for the FPGEE, NAPLEX, and MPJE.\\xa0 They are available for purchase through the NABP eProfile.\\xa0 Those who pass the practice test are more likely to pass the actual exam.\\xa0 Why?\\xa0 One reason is that test questions on the practice exam were real exam questions at one time.\\xa0 Practice exams are also important to candidate success because they offer insight into how the test will look and the navigation features Pearson VUE uses. \\xa0
What\\u2019s the job market like?\\xa0 According to Maureen, it all depends on how you define \\u201cPharmacist Job.\\u201d\\xa0 There are a lot of non-traditional pharmacist jobs out there.\\xa0 The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has stats on more traditional roles. \\xa0
For anyone looking for a job, Maureen recommends building your network of pharmacist friends.\\xa0 Join associations and organizations; network with member pharmacists.\\xa0 A good network can be powerful!\\xa0 You might find out about a job from your network before it is posted to the public. \\xa0
Being a foreign pharmacy graduate has advantages.\\xa0 Some employers value language skills.\\xa0 For example, global Pharma companies and culturally-diverse communities need pharmacists with language skills.
Maureen\\u2019s advice for any pharmacist looking for the right job:
\\u2705Find a job you\\u2019re passionate about.\\xa0 That will make you happy.
\\u2705Don\\u2019t take a job just for the money.\\xa0 No matter how much money you make, it can seem like it\\u2019s never enough. \\xa0
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