Australia’s healthcare industry continues to expand due to its aging population, increasing chronic diseases, and of course advancements in medical technology. This opens an opportunity for overseas pharmacists.
Overseas pharmacists are qualified professionals who completed their pharmacy degree, training, or licensure outside of the country where they wish to practice. And to practice in a new country, they must pass a specific exam, demonstrate language proficiency, and comply with the other professional requirements. For instance, a professional pharmacist in the Philippines might move to Australia to practice. To do so, he or she would need to pass first the OPRA (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) to make him or her eligible for further training and later registration. Are you one of these overseas pharmacists? Here’s how you can prepare for the OPRA exam:
Know the syllabus. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the OPRA syllabus given by the Australian Pharmacy Council. Find a way to divide the topics into manageable sections and prioritize areas where you think you need improvement.
Understand the exam format. Available APC practice exams can help you familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the OPRA exam. Knowing its structure can significantly build confidence and answering practice exams with the same format improves your speed and accuracy.
Create a study plan. Set realistic goals with a well-organized study plan and stick to your schedule; however, be flexible to adjust when needed. Include mock exams and don’t forget to incorporate breaks to prevent burnout.
Gather reliable study materials. Invest in reliable quality textbooks from the recommended reading list as they align closely with the exam. Obtain also the most recent syllabus and explore online resources like webinars and e-books. Meanwhile, sharing insights and resources during forums and in social media groups is also helpful, so you should join them. Study groups actually promote collaborative learning whether online or in person where challenging topics can be discussed thoroughly.
Seek support from peers and mentors. You can also connect with other overseas pharmacists who have taken the OPRA exam already. They can definitely provide valuable insights and tips. Seeking mentorship from practicing pharmacists may also help.
Strengthen your clinical knowledge. Review clinical guidelines and case studies to strengthen your understanding of therapeutic areas and stay updated on the latest developments in pharmacy practice and drug information. Spend extra time on your identified weaknesses.
Take time-pressured mock exams. These exams will help you review your capabilities before the date of the actual test so that you can assess your weaknesses and still have time to refine your strategies.
Enroll in preparation courses. Consider enrolling in specialized preparation courses that focus on the OPRA exam where experts can guide you in your preparation.
Your well-being is important. Keep a healthy balance between study and rest, so exercise regularly, have a balanced diet, and enough sleep to prepare both body and mind for optimal performance.
Preparing for the OPRA exam may seem to be stressful but how to create confidence depends on your dedication, planning, and the right resources.