Immigrating to the UK as a Pharmacist: Qualifications, Visa Options, and Salaries

Here is detailed information on how to immigrate to the United Kingdom as a pharmacist. I understand the importance of pharmacists in delivering safe drugs and quality healthcare advice, and I acknowledge the shortage of pharmacists in the UK. Therefore, I have implemented measures to facilitate the immigration process for foreign pharmacy graduates who wish to pursue their careers in the UK. Here's a comprehensive guide on the qualifications, steps, visa options, and salaries for immigrant pharmacists.

1. Demand for Immigrant Pharmacists in the UK 

Immigrant pharmacists, along with other healthcare professionals, are in high demand in the UK. The government has recognized the shortage of healthcare occupations and has added them to the Shortage Occupation List. This update simplifies the registration, work, and residence processes for foreign-trained pharmacists and healthcare experts in the UK.

2. Work Settings for Pharmacists in the UK 

Pharmacists in the UK typically work in various settings, including neighborhood pharmacies, hospitals, academia, mental health services, primary care, and pharmaceutical businesses. Their expertise is essential in providing healthcare services to the community.

3. Working Conditions for Pharmacists 

Pharmacists can find employment in retail drug stores, healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, mental health institutes, or community health clinics. Due to the nature of their work, pharmacists must exercise accuracy and extreme caution when handling and storing medications and chemicals. Typically, pharmacists work an average of 40 hours per week, with part-time and on-call positions also available. They may be required to work evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays, particularly if the facility operates 24/7.

4. Immigration Process for EU/EEA Pharmacists 

To practice as an EU/EEA pharmacist in the UK, you must become a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) or the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the United Kingdom. You can choose to register with both organizations. The registration process for the GPhC involves filling out a questionnaire in the EEA application pack and submitting it along with the required evidence. The GPhC will send you the application form once the necessary information is completed. For registration with the PSNI, you need to apply as an EEA-qualified pharmacist and participate in a potential interview upon application.

ALSO READ: How to Become a Registered Pharmacist in Ireland: Step-by-Step Guide

5. Immigration Process for Non-EU/EEA Pharmacists 

Non-EU/EEA pharmacists must complete five steps to practice in the UK: 

1. Determine eligibility for the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP) course. The General Pharmaceutical Council evaluates your qualifications, employment experience, English language proficiency, and other criteria. You need to fill out the application form and provide the required documents, including evidence of English proficiency, a completed questionnaire, an authentic degree certificate, a passport photocopy, resume, portrait, and pay the application fee. 
2. Complete the OSPAP course, a one-year program that provides international pharmacy graduates with the necessary knowledge and training for UK pharmacy practice and pre-registration training. 
3. Finish 52 weeks of pre-registration training in England, Scotland, or Wales at an approved training site, gaining the required skills, behaviors, and knowledge to meet the standards of UK pharmacy practice. 
4. Take and pass the GPhC registration exam, which consists of two parts and is typically held twice a year in June and September. 
5. Apply for and become a member of the GPhC register, allowing you to operate as a pharmacist in England, Scotland, or Wales.

6. Visa Options for Immigrant EU Pharmacists 

EU pharmacists residing in the UK by December 31st, 2020, can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay and work in the UK. However, EU pharmacists who arrived after January 1st, 2021, must apply for a visa. The available visa options include the Health and Care Worker visa and the Skilled Worker visa.

7. Visa Options for Immigrant Non-EEA Pharmacists 

Non-EEA pharmacists, particularly international students who want to transition from a tier 4 student visa, have several visa choices. These include the UK Graduate visa, Skilled Workers visa, Tier 5 Government Authorized Exchange visa, Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa, and UK Ancestry visa. Before applying for a visa, it is important to determine the specific visa category that suits your situation.

8. Finding a Job in a UK 

Pharmacy Recruitment agencies play a significant role in the UK employment market. WORKgateways, for instance, operates a network of outstanding UK Allied Health recruiters. It is recommended to register with recruiting agencies up to two years before your planned arrival in the UK. This proactive approach allows your recruitment specialist to search for suitable positions, giving you a head start in your UK working life. In case of any changes to your travel arrangements or arrival date, promptly inform your recruiting consultant.

9. Average Salary for Pharmacists in the UK 

The average salary for pharmacists in the UK is approximately £47,000 per year or £24.00 per hour. Entry-level salaries usually start around £41,000 per year, while experienced professionals can earn up to £58,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and work setting.

10. Highest-Paying Cities for Pharmacists in the UK 

The highest-paying cities for pharmacists in the UK can vary. For a comprehensive list of these cities, please refer to our article for further details.

11. Is Being a Pharmacist Worthwhile in the UK? 

Absolutely. Community pharmacists in the UK are highly compensated, and the demand for their services remains consistent. However, it's important to note that the job may become monotonous due to the nature of the work. Nevertheless, the rewarding career opportunities and competitive salaries make it worth considering.

We hope this article has provided you with comprehensive information on how to immigrate to the UK as a pharmacist.

ALSO READ: Role of Pharmacist in Nursing Homes