Foreign Pharmacy Graduate

Step-by-step guide on how a foreign pharmacy graduate can become a licensed pharmacist in the United States

Here are the general steps that you can follow to become a licensed pharmacist in the US as a foreign-trained pharmacist:

Step 1: Obtain a degree in pharmacy

To become a pharmacist in the US, you must have a degree in pharmacy from an accredited college or university. If you have completed your pharmacy education in a foreign country, you must ensure that the program is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). You may also be required to have your degree evaluated by a credential evaluation service to determine its equivalency to a US pharmacy degree.

Step 2: Pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) exam

The FPGEC exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of foreign pharmacy graduates to ensure that they are comparable to those of US pharmacy graduates. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). You must pass this exam before you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee Certification (FPGEC) program

The FPGEC Certification program is a four-part program that includes a review of your pharmacy education, English language proficiency evaluation, a practical experience requirement, and passing the FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination). The program is administered by NABP and can take up to a year to complete.

Step 4: Obtain a state license

Once you have completed the FPGEC certification program, you can apply for a license to practice pharmacy in the state where you wish to work. You will need to provide proof of your FPGEC certification, as well as meet other state-specific requirements such as passing a state jurisprudence exam and obtaining a certain number of hours of practical experience under a licensed pharmacist.

Step 5: Complete additional requirements

Some states may require you to complete additional requirements, such as continuing education courses or passing a state-specific exam. You will need to check with the state board of pharmacy to determine the specific requirements in your state.

In summary, the steps to becoming a licensed pharmacist in the US as a foreign-trained pharmacist are to obtain a pharmacy degree from an accredited college or university, pass the FPGEC exam, complete the FPGEC certification program, obtain a state license, and complete any additional state-specific requirements. The process can take several years to complete, but with determination and persistence, it is possible to achieve your goal of becoming a licensed pharmacist in the US.

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