Becoming a registered pharmacist in the USA after completing your M.Pharm in pharmacology in India involves a series of steps and requirements. Here's a general outline of the process:
Research State-specific Requirements: Pharmacy licensure is regulated at the state level in the USA. Each state has its own specific requirements for foreign-educated pharmacists. Research the licensing requirements in the state where you intend to practice.
FPGEC Certification: The first step is to obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). This involves a credential evaluation to determine the equivalence of your foreign pharmacy education to that of a U.S. pharmacy graduate.
TOEFL iBT: You may need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT to demonstrate proficiency in English, as it is the primary language of communication in U.S. pharmacies.
NAPLEX and MPJE Exams: Once you have FPGEC certification, you'll need to pass two licensing exams: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). The NAPLEX tests your pharmacy knowledge and skills, while the MPJE assesses your understanding of pharmacy law and regulations in the state you wish to practice.
Internship or Residency: Some states may require you to complete a certain number of hours of internship or residency under a licensed pharmacist's supervision before granting your license.
Apply for State License: After passing the exams and fulfilling any additional requirements, you can apply for a pharmacist license in the state where you plan to work.
Continuing Education: Once licensed, you'll be required to participate in continuing education to maintain your license and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the pharmacy field.
Please note that this is a general overview, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the state you choose to practice in. It is essential to check with the respective state board of pharmacy or the NABP for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the licensure process for foreign-educated pharmacists. Additionally, you may want to seek guidance from organizations that assist foreign-educated pharmacists in the licensure process in the USA.