How to Obtain a Pharmacist License in Israel?

To apply for a Pharmacist Licence in Israel, the applicant has to get in touch with the Medical Professions Licensing Department. The following listed is information related which can help.

Graduates of an Israeli university

1. Graduates of an Israeli university are no longer required to send any documents to the Medical Professions Licensing Department.
2. Schools of Pharmacy in Israel send the required information about them directly to the Ministry of Health.
3. Upon receipt of the information, students will receive a username and password from the Ministry of Health, with which they will be able to enter the healthcare profession portal.
4. In the portal, there is a declaration form, which should be printed out, signed, scanned, and attached. A passport photograph should also be scanned and attached to the form.
5. After the internship, the examination fee should be paid, and the paid payment slip should be scanned and uploaded to the portal.

Graduates of an overseas university

1. Graduates of an overseas university must send an application for a license, accompanied by the required documents, by registered mail to the Medical Professions Licensing Department.
2. After the documents are assessed at the Division, those eligible to register for an internship will receive a username and password, enabling them to enter the healthcare profession portal.
3. After the internship, the examination fee should be paid, and the paid payment slip should be scanned and uploaded to the portal.

Receiving a License to Work as a Pharmacist, for Israeli Graduates

The process for receiving a license to work as a pharmacist in Israel, for graduates in Pharmacy, includes the following stages:

1. Receipt of the student's details and their eligibility status for taking the examination, from the Pharmacy Faculties

• Local graduates are no longer required to send any documents to the Medical Professions Licensure Division.
• The Schools of Pharmacy in Israel transfer the required information about them directly to the Ministry of Health.
• Upon receipt of the information, the students will receive from the Ministry of Health a username and password (the username will be sent to them via email and the preliminary password will be sent via SMS), whereby they will be able to access the Healthcare Professions Portal.
• At the portal, there is a Declarations Form which should be printed out, filled in, and signed, a passport photograph attached to the form, and then scanned.

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2. Criminal record check

• To receive the license, the Ministry of Health needs to receive from the Israel Police certification that there is no criminal record in the applicant’s name.
• The Medical Professions Licensure Division at the Ministry of Health will request the certification from the Israel Police. After receiving it, the license will be issued to those who have fulfilled the rest of the law’s requirements.
• According to the law, the Ministry of Health may not request the above-mentioned certification directly from the license applicant.

3. Internship and examination

• Israeli graduates undergo an internship as part of their university studies.
• Starting from January 16, 2017, Israeli Graduates in Pharmacy are exempt from the government licensing examination in this profession.

4. Permanent License

• For Israel graduates who have completed their studies, and their internship and have presented their final project, the Pharmacy Faculty will update the Ministry of Health’s system concerning their eligibility for a diploma and they will be eligible for a permanent license (without need for a temporary license).
• Those fulfilling the requirements of the law and the regulations will be sent an SMS message informing them of their eligibility for a permanent license and with instructions for paying the permanent license fee.
• The license fee is to be paid at the Government Payments website.
• Those wishing to pay the license fee using the Postal Bank are requested to contact the Ministry of Health Hotline and request that a payment voucher be sent to them by post.
• After payment of the license fee, the permanent license to work as a Pharmacist will be sent to the pharmacist via registered mail, to the updated address at the Ministry of Health.
• According to the Pharmacists Ordinance (HE), the permanent license will be issued only to pharmacists who are citizens of Israel or those who are defined by law as “Permanent residents of Israel”.

Obtaining a pharmacist license in Israel involves several steps and requirements. 

Here's a detailed step-by-step process to help you get started:

1. Eligibility Check:

Before starting the process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to become a licensed pharmacist in Israel. 

The basic requirements typically include:

• Holding a recognized pharmacy degree from an accredited institution.
• Having completed the required practical training and internships (if applicable).
• Proficiency in Hebrew (as most of the licensing process and professional communication will be in Hebrew).

2. Hebrew Language Proficiency:

Since the pharmacy practice in Israel primarily uses Hebrew, it's crucial to have a good understanding of the language. If you're not already proficient, consider taking Hebrew language courses to improve your skills.

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3. Pharmacy Degree Recognition:

If you obtained your pharmacy degree from a foreign institution, you must have it recognized by the Israeli Pharmacy Council (IPC). This involves submitting your academic transcripts, course syllabus, and other necessary documents for evaluation. The IPC will determine if your degree meets the local requirements.

4. Supervised Practical Training (Internship):

After the IPC approves your degree, you will likely need to undergo a supervised practical training period, known as an internship. The duration of the internship may vary, but it usually lasts for about a year. During this time, you will work under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist, gaining hands-on experience in various pharmacy settings.

5. Licensing Exam Preparation:

While completing your internship, you should start preparing for the Israeli pharmacy licensing exam. The exam assesses your theoretical and practical knowledge of pharmacy practice in Israel.

6. Licensing Exam Registration:

Once you feel adequately prepared, apply to take the licensing exam through the appropriate authority. The details for registration, exam dates, and locations can be obtained from the IPC or the Ministry of Health.

7. Passing the Licensing Exam:

The licensing exam will consist of both written and practical components. It will test your understanding of local regulations, drug laws, pharmacology, and practical skills required for safe and effective pharmacy practice.

8. Background Check and Character Evaluation:

To be eligible for a pharmacist license, you will likely undergo a background check and character evaluation to ensure you have no criminal record or history of ethical misconduct.

9. License Application:

Once you have successfully passed the licensing exam and fulfilled all other requirements, you can apply for the pharmacist license. Submit the necessary paperwork and pay the required fees to the Ministry of Health or the relevant regulatory body.

10. Continuing Education:

After obtaining your pharmacist license, you will need to maintain and renew it periodically. This often involves participating in continuing education programs and fulfilling any other requirements set by the IPC or the Ministry of Health.

11. Job Application or Private Practice:

With your pharmacist license in hand, you can start applying for pharmacy positions in various healthcare facilities, or pharmacies, or even consider setting up your private practice (subject to additional requirements).

Keep in mind that the licensing process and requirements may change over time, so it's essential to check with the IPC or the Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date information. The entire process can take several months to complete, so patience and dedication are crucial in obtaining a pharmacist license in Israel.

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