Ireland offers a wide variety of excellent healthcare programs for pharmacists pursuing specialisation or looking to advance in their careers. Ireland has recently worked to move itself into the leader board of preferred destinations for pharmacy graduates aiming to advance their careers through higher education and professional growth.
Did you know that nine of the ten largest pharmaceutical companies are operating in Ireland, creating good opportunities for pharmacy career advancement. Another reason for pharmacists abroad choosing Ireland is the salary, with the average pharmacist salary of around €74,042, equivalent to approximately ₹ 66,00,000 when converted to Indian currency. Ireland offers a rewarding and fulfilling professional journey. This blog explores why Ireland is one of the best choices for pharmacists abroad, the top 10 healthcare courses for pharmacy graduates, the pathway or steps involved in how an overseas pharmacist can practice in Ireland, the best courses after a pharmacy degree in Ireland, and so on.
Pharmacy Career in Ireland:
Ireland’s booming pharmaceutical industry, coupled with its streamlined registration process through the PSI Equivalence Exam, makes it a prime destination for pharmacy graduates. Indian PharmD graduates are especially valued due to their comprehensive clinical training and academic knowledge.
Key Highlights:
- Pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Roche have major operations in Ireland.
- Pharmacists are in demand due to the growing healthcare sector.
- Strong post-study work visa options support career transitions.
Why Choose Ireland for Further Healthcare Education?
1. Globally recognised Qualifications: Degrees from Irish Universities are recognised across Europe, Australia, Canada,the UK, and so on.
3. Post-Study Work Visa: After your graduation, Third Level Graduate Programme students are allowed to stay for 2 years.
4. High Employability and Salaries: The average annual salary of Irish Pharmacists is approximately €74,042, which may differ depending on experience, area of work, and if you are working in a rural area, then there are additional perks involved too.
5. High Demand for Healthcare professionals: Pharmacists are listed amongst the Critical Skills Occupations List.
6. Smooth Pathways to Permanent Residency and Work Permits
7. Gateway to Europe: Once you are a fully Registered pharmacist in Ireland, it is easy for you to move and work across various countries in Europe (with a few important country-specific rules).
8. Safe, Welcoming, and Culturally Rich: Dublin, Cork, and Galway are some of the student-friendly cities known for welcoming and supporting international students with warmth and inclusivity.
List of Top 10 Healthcare Courses for Pharmacy Graduates
| Serial No. | Course | University | Duration | Mode |
| 1 | MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management | Griffith College | 1.5 Years (FT) / 2 Years (PT) | Full-Time / Part-Time |
| 2 | MSc in Pharmaceutical Business and Technology | Griffith College | 1.5 Years (FT) / 2 Years (PT) | Full-Time / Part-Time |
| 3 | MSc in Medical Device Technology & Business | Griffith College | 1.5 Years | Full-Time / Blended |
| 4 | MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Trinity College Dublin | 1 Year | Full-Time |
| 5 | Pharmaceutical Technology | Technological University Dublin | 1.5 Years | Part-Time |
| 6 | MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs | South-East Technological University | 1 Year | Full-Time |
| 7 | MSc in Clinical Research | University of Galway | 2 Years | Part-Time |
| 8 | Masters in Public Health | University College Cork | 1 Year | Full-Time |
| 9 | MSc in Clinical Pharmacy | University College Cork | 2 Years | Part-Time |
| 10 | MSc in Hospital Pharmacy | Trinity College Dublin | 2 Years | Part-Time Hybrid |
Understanding the PSI Equivalence Exam
Now that we have understood the advantages of choosing Ireland for your pharmacy career from a student’s perspective, let’s understand from an international pharmacist’s perspective, too.
Step-by-Step understanding of how an international pharmacist can practise in Ireland:
- Apply for qualification recognition with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)
- Undergo a Holistic assessment where PSI checks if you are eligible for the Irish Healthcare system or not.
- If any deficiencies are present or not in the Holistic assessment, there are two separate pathways:
- No deficiencies in the Holistic assessment, you can directly be eligible for a certificate of registration and practice in Ireland
- If there are deficiencies in the Holistic assessment, then you need to clear either the MCQ exam, the OSCE exam, or both based on the deficiencies found by the PSI. Once you clear the exams, you will receive a certificate and will be free to practice as a registered pharmacist in Ireland.
How to Choose the Right Course for Your Goal
To clear the PSI equivalence exam, consider the following factors:
- Best online coaching to increase flexibility
- Select a preparatory course with both interactive classes and provide recorded versions too, in case you missed any classes
- The trainers are the most important aspect to choose as they will be mentoring you throughout the process, so make sure you choose the best in the industry.
- PSI equivalence exam curated preparatory mocks, resources or materials, and handouts must be provided by the coaching centre.
Conclusion:
Whether through specialized healthcare programs or the PSI Equivalence pathway, Ireland paves the way for international pharmacists.
At Elite Expertise, we provide:
- Online Best PSI Equivalence Exam preparation for both the MCQ exam and the OSCE, based on your requirements.
- Expert trainers, Mr. Arief and Mrs. Harika, are among the best in the industry and also serve as the directors of Elite Expertise. Their experience in the teaching industry and the Clinical field makes them the best choice.
- We also have an Irish-registered pharmacist who best understands the pathway to help you through your journey.
- The classes are both interactive, live, and recorded for your convenience.
- Payment is made once, but you can access the course until you pass the exam.
- We also provide guidance for the document evaluation.
Take the next step towards your global pharmacy career.
Contact Elite Expertise for personalized counselling and PSI exam preparation.
Grab the opportunity before it’s too late!
also read: The Ultimate Guide to a Smooth and Organized Move
