Can foreign-trained pharmacists practice pharmacy in the United States?
It can be difficult for graduates of international pharmacy degree programs to obtain a pharmacy license in the U.S. because most non-U.S. pharmacy schools only offer the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. All new pharmacy degree graduates in the U.S. must earn a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Foreign pharmacy graduates that wish to practice in the U.S. must complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Certification (FPGEC®). FPGEC provides a means of documenting the educational equivalency of a candidate’s foreign pharmacy education. Foreign-educated pharmacists must earn their professional degree from a five-year curriculum program in order to apply for FPGE Certification. Questions regarding equivalency exams (FPGEC®) and licensure for graduates of foreign pharmacy programs should be directed to: The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy 1600 Feehanville Drive Mount Prospect, IL 60056 847-391-4406 Fax: 847-391-4502 http://www.nabp.net/ Many states have additional t
