How to Start Your Pharmacy Career in Ireland: 5 Key Steps for Success

Ireland offers compelling opportunities for pharmacists, with a high demand for healthcare professionals. Are you a non-EU/EEA pharmacist dreaming of a career in Ireland? To practice as a Pharmacist in Ireland, the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) process opens doors to new career opportunities. This guide outlines the essential steps to achieve registration with the PSI.

Why Ireland is a Promising Destination for Pharmacists

• Hub for Global Pharmaceutical Companies: Major leading companies operate in Ireland, especially Dublin. Ireland’s location in Europe provides access to a large market base, creating attractive opportunities for pharmacists.
• The top pharmaceutical companies in Ireland:
•  AbbVie,
•  Eli Lilly,
•  Bristol Myers Squibb,
•  Novartis,
•  Sanofi,
•  GSK,
•  Roche Diagnostics,
•  Takeda,
•  Mallinckrodt,
•  Alkermes,
•  Allergan,
•  Baxter,
•  BioMarin,
•  Regeneron, and
•  Viatris
• High Demand: There is a high demand for pharmacists in Ireland due to a growing population and expanded healthcare system, especially in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous professional development and specialization
• Good work-life balance: Ireland offers lucrative salaries, a good work-life balance, and increased opportunities for career growth.

Also Read: How to Get a Pharmacist Job in Ireland

Understanding the Pharmacy Licensure Requirements in Ireland

To practice in Ireland, non-EU/EEA pharmacists must:

Step 1: Application submission:

How to apply?

• You can download the required documents, such as the application form (TCRQ 1), the Statutory declaration form (TCQR2), the Certificate of Identity form (TCQR3), and the Regulatory data form (TCQR4), from the PSI website.
• Fill in your application form. In case any of the fields do not apply to you, please mention “Not Applicable” (or “N/A”) in that section. This application will expire if not completed within 6 months
•  A Health or Legal Professional must witness the Certificate of Identity Form.
•  Get your Statutory declaration form witnessed by a Solicitor, Peace Commissioner, or Commissioner for Oaths. This must happen in Ireland, or if you are not in Ireland, an official at an Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country can witness it.
• The application cation can be invalid if this form is not appropriately witnessed.
• Collect all the required documents mentioned below:

1.       Completed the TCQR application form
2.       Certificate of Identity Form
3.       TCQR Statutory Declaration Form
4.       Copy of birth certificate
5.       Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
6.       Current valid-in-date passport
7.       Curriculum Vitae
8.       A copy of your Degree or Parchment or Registration certificate as proof you     completed your qualification education and training

• Third Party Documents:

1. Certificates of professional status where you got your degree from or practiced as a pharmacist, and this document is valid only for 3 months from the date of issue.
2. Regulatory Data Form TCQR4: Your relevant competent authority must complete this form to fulfill the Quality Component part of the Holistic Assessment and submit it directly to the PSI.
3. Qualification documents as a pharmacist: Academic transcripts and program syllabus by the university or College
4. Internship certification/letter
5. Supporting documents relating to post-qualification education, training, CPD, work experience
6. Translations of any documents not in English (if applicable)
7. Evidence of refugee status (If applicable)

Qualification Recognition: The next step is to apply to PSI to check the eligibility for the candidate. This is a mandatory step for internal validity and eligibility and is required to check if the educational background of the applicant is on par with the standards required by the PSI or not

What is the eligibility for the PSI exam?

• The applicant must have a graduation certificate from a non-EU/EAA country
•  Must complete all the duration and training if required and be a recognized pharmacist in that country.

Step 2: Holistic assessment (Stage 2):

• Checks if the candidate’s qualification is appropriate for practise by an external assessor
• This checks for three components:

1. Input components: assesses the candidate’s pharmacy qualification and in-service or practical training.
2. Quality components: To assess if the qualification was obtained from an accredited college.
3. Output components: Checks for the accuracy of post-graduate education, work experience, and CPD or continuing professional development

Step 3: Outcome of Holistic assessments:

• The outcome of stage 2 will determine which path to follow:
• PATH A
• PATH B

    PATH A: Without any further examinations, the candidate will be eligible for A certificate of qualification appropriate for practice issued (3A)

   PATH B: If there are any deficits in your application, then these will be assessed with an examination stage (3B)

Step 4: Examination Stage: (3B)

If your Qualifications are not equivalent to the PSI exam Ireland standard, then you’ll be required to go through the stage of examination or an aptitude test stage, which is in the format:

• Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ): three main areas are tested here: pharmacology and pharmacy practice, basic science and properties of medicines, and pharmaceutical calculations
• Objective Structural Clinical Examination (OSCE): assess the communication skills, skills, and competence to practise in Ireland

Based on the result of your holistic assessment, the applicant will be required to take the MCQ test th, the OSCE test, or both.

Step 5: Certificate of qualification appropriate for practice:

• Once the requirements are fulfilled for the TCQR pathway, a certificate will be issued by the PSI, allowing you to practice as a pharmacist in Ireland.

English Language Proficiency

Before registration, you must provide evidence of English proficiency:

• Accepted Tests: IELTS Academic, OET Pharmacy, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic.
• Requirements: Specific score thresholds as outlined by the PSI.
• This step is not a mandate for the application and other steps mentioned but is a mandate for registration and Visa purposes.

Also Read: How International Pharmacy Graduates Can Become Pharmacists in Ireland Through the TCQR Pathway

Why Choose Ireland for Your Pharmacy Career?

• Structured Process: Clear guidelines and support are provided throughout the registration journey, and the process is comparatively easy compared to the rest of the licensure exams, such as NAPLEX, OSPAP, etc., making Ireland the choice for a pharmacy career.
• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning and specialization opportunities.
• Global Recognition: An Irish pharmacy qualification is respected worldwide.

Why Choose Elite Expertise for PSI Exam Preparation

• For assistance in navigating the PSI’s registration process and exam preparation, consider consulting professional services that guide international pharmacists through the TCQR pathway.
• Best trainers in the industry. Mr. Arief and Mrs. Harika, the Directors and educators at Elite Expertise, are Clinical pharmacists who understand the examinations thoroughly and have immense experience in trainer various licensure exams like OPRA (for Australia and New Zealand) and PEBC (Canada)
• It’s always best to get advice from the mentor who has traveled this path. Ms. Rifga Mohemad, a Registered pharmacist in Ireland via the TCQR pathway, can provide the best insights and help you through your examinations.
• Curated mocks and study material that meet the standards of the PSI aptitude test.
• We provide one-to-one doubt-clearing sessions.
• Interactive online sessions with case-based explanations from the real-world experiences gained by our trainers.
•  Recorded sessions in case you missed a lecture or to learn at your own pace, as we understand every student is different.
•  Pay once and stay with us until you pass the examination. Our mentors hold your hand until you clear your exam, being patient and available throughout your journey.
• Best networking with candidates preparing for the Ireland licensure exams.
• You are flexible to choose either MCQ, OSCE, or both

Conclusion

Embarking on a pharmacy career in Ireland is a structured and achievable goal for non-EU/EEA pharmacists. You can successfully register and practice as a pharmacist in Ireland by understanding and following the TCQR process, meeting language requirements, and leveraging available resources.