Introduction
This information has been prepared by the Australian Pharmacy Council Ltd for overseas trained pharmacists who wish to obtain recognition of their qualifications in Australia, and for Australian trained pharmacists who require an assessment for visa purposes.   It is intended as a guide only, and is not legally binding on any of the bodies or agencies listed.    The information given is believed to be accurate at the time of printing; however, requirements for recognition may vary from time to time.

If you live overseas and are a pharmacist with a qualification gained outside Australia and you intend to work in this profession in Australia, you should first contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Following a review of the skilled migration program the Government has issued a revised Skilled Occupations List for the purposes of migrating to Australia under the skilled migration program.  The occupation of Pharmacist is not on that list which means that pharmacists are not needed in Australia and the pathway for skilled migration to Australia as a pharmacist no longer exists.

You will find relevant information on the website of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) (www.immi.gov.au). 

If you live in Australia and hold qualifications in pharmacy gained overseas you will need to apply directly to APC for an assessment of your qualifications (see Procedures for Assessment and Recognition of Overseas Qualifications, below).

If you hold pharmacy qualifications gained in Australia and require a skills assessment for visa purposes, you will need to apply to APC for an assessment of your qualifications.

Pharmacy in Australia
Australia has a federated system of government and is divided into six independently governed states and two territories.  From 1 July 2010, pharmacists will be nationally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) and may practise pharmacy in any state or territory in Australia. 

Pharmacists in Australia are expected to:

•	promote and contribute to rational drug use;
•	dispense medication in a way which provides maximum benefit to the patient;
•	prepare pharmaceutical products;
•	provide primary health care; and
•	provide drug information.

Most pharmacists practise in the community (ie. retail businesses) or in hospitals. A smaller number work in the pharmaceutical industry, academic and government institutions, the public service or the armed services. Community pharmacists have a wide range of responsibilities.

These include processing prescriptions, maintenance of patient medication records, health promotion, patient medication, counselling, primary health care, specialised medication administration systems, services to patients with particular needs (e.g. diabetics, asthmatics and the elderly), domiciliary care, nursing home and private hospital services, therapeutic device supply and fitting, methadone maintenance programs, public health screening programs and providing expert advice to medical practitioners and other health professionals.

Hospital pharmacists, in addition to the supply and control of medication within hospitals, also provide a wide range of special services, such as drug information, sterile medicines, radio-pharmacy, oncological, ward pharmacy and clinical services. They work closely with other health professionals to optimise drug therapy and patient care management.

The industrial pharmacist's work involves the manufacture and distribution of drugs and medicinal products. This includes quality control, product development, formulation, production, management, research and technical sales including medical detailing. Industrial pharmacists are required to be registered only if they distribute drugs and medicines to the public, although some organisations may only employ those who are eligible for registration. Assessment of industrial pharmacists not seeking registration is the responsibility of Vocational Educational and Training Assessment Services.