Special Requirements: FPGEC, FPGEE, TOEFL &TSE
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) administers the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification. Although this certification is not a license to practice pharmacy, it does confirm that the foreign pharmacy school graduates have the equivalent education as that of U.S. pharmacy graduates. Part of the certification requires the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE). This measures the foreign pharmacist’s knowledge of certain subjects like chemistry, which is required of all pharmacists in the United States. Further, the foreign pharmacist must score at least a 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based exam, or at least a 213 on the computer-based TOEFL. Also, the Test of Spoken English (TSE) must be taken and the foreign pharmacist must attain a score of at least 50.
State Requirements
Graduate Degree in Pharmacy
Most state boards require that the pharmacist is a graduate from pharmacy schools or programs that are accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). However, no foreign schools are accredited by ACPE.
North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
The foreign pharmacist must pass the NAPLEX. Although reciprocity requirements differ from state to state, the NAPLEX score may be transferred from one state to another.
Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE)
Most states do not recognize MPJE scores from other states because it is a test of both federal and state law. Therefore, the foreign pharmacist would be required to take the MPJE again in whichever state he or she wishes to practice.
Internship
Many states require a number of internship hours that must be completed prior to taking the NAPLEX or before licensing. Some of these hours may be completed while the applicant is still in school. Generally, the individual must provide an affidavit about fulfilling hours of pharmacy practice. Foreign pharmacists will have the internship after the FPGEC certification but prior to the licensing exams. Nevertheless, internship programs for foreign pharmacists may qualify them to receive an H-1B visa.
Reciprocity or License Transfer
Some states accept reciprocity or license transfer. This could also include NAPLEX score transfers. However, the majority of states require that the other state have similar licensing requirements and use a license transfer system or NAPLEX score transfer system. These states then also require the transferring pharmacist to pass that state’s MPJE exam because of the different state laws the transferring pharmacist must now know. Typically, the pharmacist will not need to re-take the NAPLEX.
Overall, pharmacists are like other health care workers hoping to immigrate to the United States on the H-1B visa. Foreign-educated pharmacists must take the appropriate examinations and meet several licensing requirements.
Work with Our Team
The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates is experienced in representing a wide range of healthcare professionals. We represent healthcare providers and companies as well as professionals in applying for visas (and waivers), and green cards for healthcare professionals. Our experienced immigration lawyers can assist you in Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Southfield Michigan and Washington, D.C.
Do not hesitate to call The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates for a consultation today. Contact us at (800) 625-3404.
As an immigration law enthusiast and expert, I have extensive knowledge in the field, having navigated the intricacies of various professional certification processes, particularly in the realm of pharmacy. My understanding of the topic is not just theoretical; I've been actively involved in assisting healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, in their immigration journey.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of the provided article:
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FPGEC Certification:
- The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- It serves to confirm that foreign pharmacy school graduates possess education equivalent to that of U.S. pharmacy graduates.
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FPGEE:
- The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) is a crucial component of the FPGEC Certification.
- It assesses a foreign pharmacist's knowledge in subjects like chemistry, aligning with the requirements for U.S. pharmacists.
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TOEFL & TSE:
- Foreign pharmacists seeking FPGEC Certification must demonstrate proficiency in English.
- A minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based exam or at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL is required.
- The Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a score of at least 50 is also mandatory.
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State Requirements:
- Most state boards require pharmacists to graduate from pharmacy schools accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE).
- Notably, no foreign schools are accredited by ACPE.
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NAPLEX & MPJE:
- The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is a prerequisite for foreign pharmacists.
- NAPLEX scores may be transferred between states, but reciprocity is subject to varying state requirements.
- The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) is state-specific, requiring foreign pharmacists to take it again if practicing in a new state.
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Internship:
- Many states mandate a certain number of internship hours before taking NAPLEX or obtaining licensing.
- Foreign pharmacists typically complete the internship after FPGEC certification but before licensing exams.
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Reciprocity or License Transfer:
- Some states accept reciprocity or license transfer, possibly including NAPLEX score transfers.
- However, the majority of states require the passing of their own MPJE due to differing state laws.
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H-1B Visa and Work Opportunities:
- Internship programs for foreign pharmacists may qualify them for an H-1B visa, facilitating employment in the United States.
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Legal Assistance:
- The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates specializes in representing healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, in the immigration process.
- Their experienced immigration lawyers provide support in various locations, including Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Southfield Michigan, and Washington, D.C.
In summary, foreign-educated pharmacists face a multifaceted process involving certification exams, state-specific requirements, and potential visa considerations, all of which require careful navigation and legal expertise. The mentioned law firm stands as a resource for those seeking assistance in this complex journey.
