Canadian Pharmacist - opportunity to move to Texas - advice/insight?

[Vort3x]

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Hello,

I'm a Canadian pharmacist and I graduated in 2015. I have a job that I like at a retail chain in Canada, however an opportunity has come up where I may be able to relocate to Texas. My partner works for Exxon Mobil here and a promotion may be coming up for him to live/work in Texas for a year or more. I'd be very interested in joining him if it's possible - just for the experience of working abroad.

1. Has anyone here ever been through the foreign equivalency process to work in the US? What was it like and how long did it take? I emailed the pharmacy board in Texas on the process and their response was: "You must have a Foreign Pharmacy Equivalent Certification from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy first – then contact our state Board or a degree from ACPE accredited college of pharmacy.". I have not yet begun to look into this further, just wanted to hear others' experiences first.

2. Does anyone here work in Texas? How do you find pharmacy practice? Do you find the scope of practice is expanding? Currently in Canada we can prescribe and administer any vaccine for preventable diseases, and prescribe for 30+ different minor ailments (https://nbpharma.ca/minor-ailment-assessments).

3. What's the job market like in Texas? We would be living in Houston, and most living costs would be subsidized by his company. What is the Houston area like? My partner travels to Houston often for different work assignments, however I have yet to attend one of these trips (which I of course would prior to moving).

Thank you for any thoughts/advice you have!

 

[CetiAlphaFive]

Hello,

I'm a Canadian pharmacist and I graduated in 2015. I have a job that I like at a retail chain in Canada, however an opportunity has come up where I may be able to relocate to Texas. My partner works for Exxon Mobil here and a promotion may be coming up for him to live/work in Texas for a year or more. I'd be very interested in joining him if it's possible - just for the experience of working abroad.

1. Has anyone here ever been through the foreign equivalency process to work in the US? What was it like and how long did it take? I emailed the pharmacy board in Texas on the process and their response was: "You must have a Foreign Pharmacy Equivalent Certification from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy first – then contact our state Board or a degree from ACPE accredited college of pharmacy.". I have not yet begun to look into this further, just wanted to hear others' experiences first.

2. Does anyone here work in Texas? How do you find pharmacy practice? From what I understand pharmacy practice in the US is much different than Canada. Currently in Canada I can prescribe and inject any vaccine for preventable diseases (zostavax, pneumovax, twinrix, adacel, etc) , and prescribe for 30+ different minor ailments (https://nbpharma.ca/minor-ailment-assessments). I really enjoy the expanded scope of practice and would be interested in hearing about your scope of practice in Texas.

3. What's the job market like in Texas? We would be living in Houston, and most living costs would be subsidized by his company. What is the Houston area like? My partner has been to Houston a dozen times for different work assignments, however I have yet to attend one of these trips (which I of course would prior to moving).

Thank you for any thoughts/advice you have!

Sorry for the blunt honesty that follows:


The job market for pharmacists in Houston proper is beyond saturated.
The surrounding towns/ suburbs are still difficult to find jobs in, but easier in comparison.

In Houston? You'll probably have to do retail dispensing work in one of the small towns surrounding the metroplex for a while.
Even an American pharmacist with experience is extremely unlikely to land a clinical job like you're describing.

If you do land a job in the city, expect a 1.5 hour commute if across town in the worst traffic you'll ever experience.

Culturally, Houston is very diverse, but it's still going to be a huge change. Houston has a dark history compared to the rest of Texas. (Google the park place rangers)
People claim that it's 2016 and that things have changed...

Last but not least, the summers are hot. Expect 35-40 degree days from May to October.

EDIT:

Also, take a quick look through the recent disciplinary actions taken by TSBP.
Houston is usually well represented.

 

[steveysmith54]

Can you prescribe blood pressure, asthma, antibiotics, or diabetic meds in canada? if no, i am not impressed

pharmacists have been giving vaccinations for at least a decade now, pretty boring stuff.

 

[Vort3x]

Can you prescribe blood pressure, asthma, antibiotics, or diabetic meds in canada? if no, i am not impressed

pharmacists have been giving vaccinations for at least a decade now, pretty boring stuff.

Thanks for the useful response 🙂

In certain provinces we actually can initiate such therapy and it's moving along to others (currently in Alberta last I checked), in other provinces we can extend them/re-prescribe when needed if they've been started by a physician. Right now it's primarily the "minor ailments" I linked to above where we can initiate therapy.

The only reason I mentioned vaccinations is I was uncertain if all vaccines could be administered and prescribed in the US by a pharmacist. If you can administer some, can pharmacists in the US also prescribe them? (ie: travel consultations, etc).

 

[pharmdpharmd]

The process will likely take more than a year, at best 6-8 months

 

[Vort3x]

Sorry for the blunt honesty that follows:


The job market for pharmacists in Houston proper is beyond saturated.
The surrounding towns/ suburbs are still difficult to find jobs in, but easier in comparison.

In Houston? You'll probably have to do retail dispensing work in one of the small towns surrounding the metroplex for a while.
Even an American pharmacist with experience is extremely unlikely to land a clinical job like you're describing.

If you do land a job in the city, expect a 1.5 hour commute if across town in the worst traffic you'll ever experience.

Culturally, Houston is very diverse, but it's still going to be a huge change. Houston has a dark history compared to the rest of Texas. (Google the park place rangers)
People claim that it's 2016 and that things have changed...

Last but not least, the summers are hot. Expect 35-40 degree days from May to October.

EDIT:

Also, take a quick look through the recent disciplinary actions taken by TSBP.
Houston is usually well represented.

I really appreciate the blunt honesty and all your information! I do want to know what I would be getting into prior to making the decision to move. Not having a clinical position is fine with me, as it would be a short term arrangement before returning to Canada. I would just like to find "something" while living there for a bit.

A long commute would be difficult for me (my current commute is 5 minutes!), and I have heard that the traffic is insane.

We would be living about 45 minutes outside Houston in the Woodlands, are there many pharmacies in that area and ones that would have more reasonable commute times?

 

[steveysmith54]

Thanks for the useful response 🙂

In certain provinces we actually can initiate such therapy and it's moving along to others (currently in Alberta last I checked), in other provinces we can extend them/re-prescribe when needed if they've been started by a physician. Right now it's primarily the "minor ailments" I linked to above where we can initiate therapy.

The only reason I mentioned vaccinations is I was uncertain if all vaccines could be administered and prescribed in the US by a pharmacist. If you can administer some, can pharmacists in the US also prescribe them? (ie: travel consultations, etc).

That link was unclear, it lists dandruff and allergic rhinitis as "minor ailments". As a US pharmacist, we consider treatment of these conditions to be "self care" and Over the counter therapy, which we consult pts on and point them to "store's isle 4"

As far as your question about travel meds, it depends on the state. In CA (California not Canada 🙂, pharmacists can now do travel meds, birth control, naltraxone, and order labs. Other states, i am not sure. But, the main vaccines that you will be giving are the ones that you mentioned.

As far as working in the US, each state has their policies. In California, you would need to take three board exams and complete 1500 hours of training to be licensed. It takes 1-2 years for most grads to do so...

 

[gwarm01]

I knew a foreign pharmacist who had to work as an intern for a year before she became licensed. This was in Florida and she wasn't from Canada, so I'm not sure how closely that would reflect your situation. I would imagine a Canadian education to be considered equivalent for licensing purposes, but I'm not on any regulatory body so my opinion doesn't count. Good luck! Even if you worked a retail job it sounds like a fun experience. I just wouldn't let on that it was temporary while interviewing.

 

[Vort3x]

That link was unclear, it lists dandruff and allergic rhinitis as "minor ailments". As a US pharmacist, we consider treatment of these conditions to be "self care" and Over the counter therapy, which we consult pts on and point them to "store's isle 4"

As far as your question about travel meds, it depends on the state. In CA (California not Canada 🙂, pharmacists can now do travel meds, birth control, naltraxone, and order labs. Other states, i am not sure. But, the main vaccines that you will be giving are the ones that you mentioned.

As far as working in the US, each state has their policies. In California, you would need to take three board exams and complete 1500 hours of training to be licensed. It takes 1-2 years for most grads to do so...

Correct, a lot of "minor ailments" are treated with OTC products or regular self care recommendations that we do every day. However examples from that link where it may differ is for UTIs, we can prescribe oral antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs, retinoids/topical antibiotics for acne, steroid nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis (only recently became OTC in Canada), topical steroids for eczema etc aside from hydrocortisone, stronger NSAIDs where applicable, etc. hope that provides some clarity if you are interested. It just allows access to prescription products for a lot conditions we normally give OTCs for.

 

[quickpic007]

Houston full of Rph...full of traffic, rough city, lots to do though.

 

[ldiot]

We need to build 2 walls

 

[lord999]

Hello,

I'm a Canadian pharmacist and I graduated in 2015. I have a job that I like at a retail chain in Canada, however an opportunity has come up where I may be able to relocate to Texas. My partner works for Exxon Mobil here and a promotion may be coming up for him to live/work in Texas for a year or more. I'd be very interested in joining him if it's possible - just for the experience of working abroad.

1. Has anyone here ever been through the foreign equivalency process to work in the US? What was it like and how long did it take? I emailed the pharmacy board in Texas on the process and their response was: "You must have a Foreign Pharmacy Equivalent Certification from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy first – then contact our state Board or a degree from ACPE accredited college of pharmacy.". I have not yet begun to look into this further, just wanted to hear others' experiences first.

2. Does anyone here work in Texas? How do you find pharmacy practice? Do you find the scope of practice is expanding? Currently in Canada we can prescribe and administer any vaccine for preventable diseases, and prescribe for 30+ different minor ailments (https://nbpharma.ca/minor-ailment-assessments).

3. What's the job market like in Texas? We would be living in Houston, and most living costs would be subsidized by his company. What is the Houston area like? My partner travels to Houston often for different work assignments, however I have yet to attend one of these trips (which I of course would prior to moving).

Thank you for any thoughts/advice you have!

Were you initially licensed prior to Dec 31st, 2004 and post 1994? If so, the rules are different where you may apply directly for a license under NAFTA/ALENA provisions. If after 2004, it's dependent on whether you serve your 1500 hours. If you came from Laval or Montreal, you also have to take FPGEC. The PEBC is far more difficult than even the last revisions of the US NAPLEX, you'll sleep through it.

How short-term is short-term? If it's the classical oil company scenario (EM and Shell) that does the three moves policy for company employees, it's generally not worth the effort unless you intend to remain as a permanent resident (more than 2 years). Speaking of permanent residency, TX does not have a residency or a citizenship requirement for licensing.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

...so how's the job market in New Brunswick...?

 

[MackandBlues]

Sorry for the blunt honesty that follows:


The job market for pharmacists in Houston proper is beyond saturated.
The surrounding towns/ suburbs are still difficult to find jobs in, but easier in comparison.

In Houston? You'll probably have to do retail dispensing work in one of the small towns surrounding the metroplex for a while.
Even an American pharmacist with experience is extremely unlikely to land a clinical job like you're describing.

If you do land a job in the city, expect a 1.5 hour commute if across town in the worst traffic you'll ever experience.

Culturally, Houston is very diverse, but it's still going to be a huge change. Houston has a dark history compared to the rest of Texas. (Google the park place rangers)
People claim that it's 2016 and that things have changed...

Last but not least, the summers are hot. Expect 35-40 degree days from May to October.

EDIT:

Also, take a quick look through the recent disciplinary actions taken by TSBP.
Houston is usually well represented.

Amen to all of that

 

[Wickett]

I really appreciate the blunt honesty and all your information! I do want to know what I would be getting into prior to making the decision to move. Not having a clinical position is fine with me, as it would be a short term arrangement before returning to Canada. I would just like to find "something" while living there for a bit.

A long commute would be difficult for me (my current commute is 5 minutes!), and I have heard that the traffic is insane.

We would be living about 45 minutes outside Houston in the Woodlands, are there many pharmacies in that area and ones that would have more reasonable commute times?

Luckily, the woodlands is about 30-45 mins north of Houston. You may have luck getting a retail gig in the surrounding towns north of Houston, but getting a job in the woodlands is very difficult (that's the suburb all the well to do people want to live, including pharmacists). New Caney, Tomball, Conroe etc are close by and you'd have better luck there, and the commute wouldn't be like driving in the city (although those areas are a bit poorer/a bit more southern feel/you may have some culture shock).

 

[thecoolpharmboi]

That link was unclear, it lists dandruff and allergic rhinitis as "minor ailments". As a US pharmacist, we consider treatment of these conditions to be "self care" and Over the counter therapy, which we consult pts on and point them to "store's isle 4"

As far as your question about travel meds, it depends on the state. In CA (California not Canada 🙂, pharmacists can now do travel meds, birth control, naltraxone, and order labs. Other states, i am not sure. But, the main vaccines that you will be giving are the ones that you mentioned.

As far as working in the US, each state has their policies. In California, you would need to take three board exams and complete 1500 hours of training to be licensed. It takes 1-2 years for most grads to do so...

The link was pretty detailed in saying they can prescribe prescription-level drugs (not OTCs) for these ailments. Instead of just pointing to the OTCS...they can prescribe stronger medications. I think it's great.

 

[steveysmith54]

The link was pretty detailed in saying they can prescribe prescription-level drugs (not OTCs) for these ailments. Instead of just pointing to the OTCS...they can prescribe stronger medications. I think it's great.

A lot of these conditions do NOT require prescriptions even with prescribing privileges are available, this where the confusion stemmed from, this was confirmed by the original poster.

 

[rph3664]

Do you have children? My brother and his wife lived there some years back, before they had kids, and they knew they wouldn't want to raise kids there when they found out how many TEACHERS homeschooled. They did this because the public schools were so bad, and private schools were incredibly expensive, had lengthy waiting lists, and/or were no better.

I'm not saying don't work there (I'm pretty sure that The Woodlands is a good suburb) but I would recommend working as a tech to start out.

 

[Dalteparin]

The only reason I mentioned vaccinations is I was uncertain if all vaccines could be administered and prescribed in the US by a pharmacist. If you can administer some, can pharmacists in the US also prescribe them? (ie: travel consultations, etc).

Vaccine laws vary widely from state to state. You'll have to read TX's laws to know for certain what you can do there.

I'm not a foreign grad but I used to work with a guy who was and it took him most of a year to get licensed in the US. As lord999 mentioned, you'll need to get 1500 hours of pharmacy experience (~9 months FT work) before you can even sit for the boards, and you can't get paid for those hours. If you'll only be in the US for a year, it just isn't worth it to get licensed.

The Gulf Coast of TX is basically an armpit, especially in the summer. I checked the weather for Houston today and it was 28 C (84 F) and 93% humidity! Maybe you like hot weather, but if you don't, you're going to be very unhappy.

 

[CountBy5s]

Texas has many beautiful cities and small towns. The carcinogenic coastline, Houston east to Beaumont, is not one of them. The weather is hot and the humidity and pollution is the worst. Traffic is impossible. Yes 1 - 2hr each way to work is normal. It is very culturally diverse, but at the same time stuck in the past. With that said, you can make some serious cash in Houston as the economy is very very strong. Spent 20 years in Houston, but I would NEVER move back to the area or any of the suburbs. It's just not worth it.

 

[CountBy5s]

Vaccine laws vary widely from state to state. You'll have to read TX's laws to know for certain what you can do there.

I'm not a foreign grad but I used to work with a guy who was and it took him most of a year to get licensed in the US. As lord999 mentioned, you'll need to get 1500 hours of pharmacy experience (~9 months FT work) before you can even sit for the boards, and you can't get paid for those hours. If you'll only be in the US for a year, it just isn't worth it to get licensed.

The Gulf Coast of TX is basically an armpit, especially in the summer. I checked the weather for Houston today and it was 28 C (84 F) and 93% humidity! Maybe you like hot weather, but if you don't, you're going to be very unhappy.

Pharmacist in TX can administer many common vaccines for individuals 14+ (7 and up for flu) without a Rx. Some pharmacies handle travel vaccines yellow fever, Thyphoid etc) just depends on the location and areas needs.

 

[Acid11]

It would definitely be a good idea to visit more than once with your partner. I would imagine Houston and Canada are polar opposites in many ways. Generally speaking, there are lots to do the closer you are to the core of the city. Out where your partner works, not so much. The Woodlands is a nice place to raise a family though, it seems like an ideal family-oriented suburban enclave. Agree with the saturation, although I don't have a clue how the foreign equivalency thing works, good luck.

as far as pharmacists expansion of practice, it sounds like you have a wider scope in Canada. In Texas, we recently gained approval to dispense naloxone w/o Rx, much less prescribe OC's, AB's, minor ailment meds, and such. So you can see that this "expansion" is well in its infancy.