Guide to OSPAP Course in UK

Do you want to work as a pharmacist in the UK but have a non-EEA qualification? If yes, you will have to complete additional training to start your professional journey. You will have to complete an OSPAP course in UK along with undergoing pre-registration training of 52 weeks. The final step is obtaining the GPhC registration assessment with a pass result. Let us now take a closer look at the OSPAP course and its key requirements. 

Course Highlights 

Why Study OSPAP Course in UK

Below are the key reasons why you study an OSPAP course in UK:

• The OSPAP is a recognized and accredited qualification tailored for pharmacists outside the EEA (European Economic Area) or those who already have EEA pharmacist qualifications that are not relevant in the UK. 
• The OSPAP will take you to the next stage of earning a license to practice as a pharmacist in the UK. This is because it is a preparatory program that is considered as the best way to convert international qualifications in other countries into a UK-ready accreditation. This will help aspirants understand the finer nuances of the UK system and what their job roles will entail. 
• It is a short-duration program of one year and comes with relatively reasonable tuition costs.
• Many programs offer placements throughout the course. Aspirants can undertake these placements across community or hospital pharmacies, and even in secondary or primary care. Hence, they will gain a better idea of the pharmacy field that they intend to follow. 

Top Universities that Offer OSPAP Course in UK

Here are some of the leading universities in the UK that offer this course. 

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the general eligibility requirements: 

• GPhC approval letter. 
• Pharmacy degree equivalent to a bachelor’s qualification in UK. 
• IELTS Academic score of 7.0 in all the sections in one sitting. OET scores of B in all the parts are also accepted. 
• Applicants should have practiced as pharmacists in patient-facing positions (equivalent to full-time jobs of 6 months). 
• Students should be medically fit to take up the program and have to go through an occupational health assessment. 
• The DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check may be required for international students. 

Here are some key points concerning your eligibility criteria: 

• You will have to complete the “Applying for eligibility to complete an Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Program” form. 
• You have to pay £687 as the non-refundable application fee. 
• Your pharmacy qualification should be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in the UK. If not, then you should undertake an assessment of the syllabus of the course that you pursued. 

Popular Read: Best Universities in UK for MBA

English Language Qualification

To pursue an OSPAP course in UK, you will have to provide proof of your English language qualifications. This will cover all the four language components, namely reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Certificates of English language tests taken at test centers are accepted, where the minimum criteria have been met. 

The GPhC also accepts pharmacy qualifications where the student has been taught and assessed in a majority-English-speaking nation other than the United Kingdom. You may also be accepted if you showcase proof of working as a pharmacy technician/pharmacist in a majority-English-speaking nation which adheres to the minimum criteria. 

Application Process

• You will first have to apply to the GPhC and pass their evaluation process, including the assessment of your qualifications and English language competency. 
• While applying to the GPhC, you will have to select your preferred institution for studying the program. 
• Your form will then be sent to the institution, which will subsequently send you its own application form. 
• You can then provide the documents required by the university, including the copy of your GPhC-approved letter of adjudication and English language proficiency proof. 
• Once the offer of a place is made by the institution, you will have to go through a DBS check or furnish a letter of good standing from the police force in your home nation. 
• The final stage usually involves an interview, depending on available slots. 
• You will then receive the updated offer letter without the conditions mentioned earlier. 
• The CAS (confirmation of acceptance of studies) will then be sent to you, enabling you to apply for your visa. 

Career Scope 

Most graduates of the program find employment as pharmacists in several sectors like secondary or primary care, community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and more. Some also pursue academic careers in teaching or research. 

The average base salary for a pharmacist in the UK is £50,122 per year according to Indeed.  Some top recruiters for professionals include the NHS, Maxxima, Nuffield Health, Practice Plus Group, Phoenix Medical Supplies, Well, and Boots. 

Some of the job roles and average salaries include the following: 

Conclusion

Pursuing an OSPAP course in UK is thus a mandatory requirement for finding work and practicing as a pharmacist in the country. It is a crucial first step towards fulfilling your dreams of building a global career in this welcoming nation with a thriving healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. 

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