Info on UK Programs (PharmD or equivalent)?

[lyyuan]

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Hello 🙂

I was curious if anyone had information on Pharmacy programs abroad - specifically in the UK? I would like to study abroad for a few years but want to be doing something productive (like completeing a PharmD or equivalent).

Does anyone know anything about such programs? what exams are required? What happens once I've finished the program abroad and want to return to the US to practice? Are there equivalency exams? Is it frowned upon to get a degree abroad - (would it seem I wasn't able to get accepted in the US)?

If anyone has any idea where I should start looking for the correct information or has any experience that would be wonderful!

Thanks! 😎

 

[BiOGoly]

The pharmacy practice degree used in the UK is the Masters of Pharmacy (MPharm). It's a four year undergraduate degree, generally followed by a fifth year in what we would call a residency. Do you already have an undergraduate degree from the US? The UK system is rather different from the US, you'd probably be repeating some course work if you've already completed pharmacy pre-requisites. If you did complete an MPharm you could practice in the US...but i'm sure it's a headache. If I were you I'd save myself the trouble.

 

[rxmusc]

How about a reversal on that question, how easy is it to study in the US and then work in the UK? I am sure you will need to pass their NAPLEX equivalent examinations and even the legal issues/different drug names will come into play ?

For example, if someone asks you where the Panadol is and being a pharmacist your like errr... ? would possibly get you weird looks.


FYI, panadol is paracetamol.

 

[twester]

I found this website about salaries:
http://www.hpassignments.com/hpnew/allied/areas/pharmacists.asp

Page down to the UK salary levels (the Irish ones are first). A British pound is about $1.75, so the salary range is about $33-95K (it'll probably take one's entire career to get up the top level, basically). There's mention of extra salary for pharmacists in London. The "pa" stands for per annum. It's not insignificant - but the cost of living is easily that much higher. And Britons pay outrageous income taxes (not as high as Norwegians, but high by American standards).

I found this page about licensing (doesn't look so easy, unless you're Canadian):
http://www.hpassignments.com/hpnew/allied/areas/additionalregforphar.asp

I'm glad I found the information, since I've been thinking along those lines myself. At the very least, I'd like to do a rotation in Europe to get a look at healthcare in a welfare state. Might cure me of my socialist tendencies.

Good luck,
Troy

 

[BiOGoly]

I found this website about salaries:
http://www.hpassignments.com/hpnew/allied/areas/pharmacists.asp

Page down to the UK salary levels (the Irish ones are first). A British pound is about $1.75, so the salary range is about $33-95K (it'll probably take one's entire career to get up the top level, basically). There's mention of extra salary for pharmacists in London. The "pa" stands for per annum. It's not insignificant - but the cost of living is easily that much higher. And Britons pay outrageous income taxes (not as high as Norwegians, but high by American standards).

I found this page about licensing (doesn't look so easy, unless you're Canadian):
http://www.hpassignments.com/hpnew/allied/areas/additionalregforphar.asp

I'm glad I found the information, since I've been thinking along those lines myself. At the very least, I'd like to do a rotation in Europe to get a look at healthcare in a welfare state. Might cure me of my socialist tendencies.

Good luck,
Troy

Good God, those salaries are pathetic!...you're probably pushing 55 by the time you make less than what a newly minted grad starts at in the States. In LONDON no less with all the additional taxes and the outrageous cost of living...sheesh. I honestly don't know how anyone can afford to live well in London unless they are a merchant banker or a popstar...

 

[tjtiesto]

The pharmacy practice degree used in the UK is the Masters of Pharmacy (MPharm). It's a four year undergraduate degree, generally followed by a fifth year in what we would call a residency. Do you already have an undergraduate degree from the US? The UK system is rather different from the US, you'd probably be repeating some course work if you've already completed pharmacy pre-requisites. If you did complete an MPharm you could practice in the US...but i'm sure it's a headache. If I were you I'd save myself the trouble.

Hi there,

I've just completed my bsc. degree at a canadian uni and thinking of pursuing my MPharm degree in UK and thinking of coming back and practicing here..is there anyone whose done this or would recommend me doing this?

Thanks..