How to become a pharmacist in Ireland

Becoming a pharmacist in Ireland requires a series of educational and professional steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Complete a Pharmacy Degree (MPharm)

• Eligibility: To apply for a pharmacy degree in Ireland, you typically need to have completed the Leaving Certificate (Irish secondary school exam) with high grades, particularly in subjects like Chemistry and Biology.
• MPharm Degree: The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) is a five-year program offered by various universities, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork (UCC), University of Limerick, and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
• The MPharm degree includes both theoretical studies and practical training in various pharmaceutical areas, such as drug interactions, patient care, and pharmacy law.

Complete a Pre-registration Training Year

After completing the MPharm degree, you must undertake a year of supervised practice at a registered pharmacy. This training year involves practical work where you gain hands-on experience under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.

• The pre-registration training year usually takes place in a community or hospital pharmacy setting.
• You’ll need to keep a training portfolio to track your learning and experiences during this year.

Pass the Pharmacy Registration Exam

After completing the pre-registration year, you must pass the Pharmacy Registration Exam. This exam tests your knowledge and understanding of the key principles required to practice as a pharmacist in Ireland.

• The exam is run by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the regulatory body for pharmacy practice in Ireland.

Apply for Registration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)

Once you’ve passed the Pharmacy Registration Exam, you can apply to be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI). Registration with PSI is mandatory to practice legally as a pharmacist in Ireland.

• PSI oversees the regulation of pharmacists, ensuring that they maintain professional standards and are fit to practice.
• You’ll need to submit your qualifications, training records, and exam results to complete your application.

Ongoing Professional Development

Once registered, you’ll be required to maintain your registration and continually develop your skills and knowledge. Pharmacists in Ireland are expected to participate in ongoing professional development (CPD), which may include attending training, courses, and seminars.

Alternative Pathway (If You Hold a Foreign Pharmacy Degree)

If you have obtained a pharmacy degree from outside Ireland or the EU, you can apply for recognition of your qualifications through the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI). If the PSI recognizes your qualifications, you may still be required to complete a period of adaptation or take an equivalency exam before registering to practice as a pharmacist.

Summary of Steps:

• Complete the MPharm degree (5 years).
• Complete a pre-registration training year (1 year).
• Pass the Pharmacy Registration Exam.
• Register with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).
• Engage in ongoing professional development.

By following these steps, you will be eligible to work as a pharmacist in Ireland.