OSPAP Course Guide for International Pharmacists - Registration and Career in the UK

      The Gateway to Your Dream Career: OSPAP Explained

For international pharmacists hailing from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), navigating the path to practicing in the UK can seem daunting. The Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is specifically designed to make this journey smoother. This postgraduate diploma is not just a course; it's a bridge connecting your current qualifications with the high standards of pharmacy practice in the UK.

Eligibility and Entry Requirements: Your First Steps

Before you can embark on the OSPAP journey, you'll need to clear the first hurdle: the eligibility criteria set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and English language proficiency. You'll need to demonstrate your skills through scores from recognized tests like the OET or IELTS. Navigating this process can be intricate, but fear not! Organizations like Exprenza are there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your application shines.

Once your credentials pass muster, you'll select your preferred institution for the OSPAP course. This choice is crucial, so arm yourself with research to pinpoint the university and course that aligns best with your career aspirations. Remember, you're not limited to one option – feel free to cast a wider net!

The OSPAP Journey: Course Structure and Training

Embarking on the OSPAP course is just the beginning. The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed in the UK's dynamic pharmacy sector. Beyond classroom learning, the course emphasizes practical training. You'll spend at least 52 weeks under the tutelage of experienced pharmacists at a GPhC-approved training site, honing your skills to meet rigorous performance standards. This hands-on approach ensures that by the end of your OSPAP journey, you're not just qualified but truly ready to thrive in the UK pharmacy landscape.

Course Fees: Investing in Your Future

Investing in the OSPAP course is investing in your career. Course fees vary across institutions, typically ranging from £13,500 to £16,000. While this might seem like a steep hill, consider it a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in pharmacy. The return on this investment is not just a qualification; it's the gateway to practicing as a pharmacist in the UK and the myriad opportunities that come with it.

After the OSPAP: Career Pathways and Salary Insights

Completing the OSPAP course is a monumental step, but what lies beyond? After earning your postgraduate diploma, you'll enter the pre-registration training phase. This 52-week journey is your final stretch before you can register with the GPhC and don the pharmacist's coat for real. Successfully navigating this phase and passing the GPhC registration assessment will officially mark your entry into the UK's pharmacy profession.

The career opportunities post-OSPAP are vast and varied. From community pharmacies to hospital settings and roles in industry or academia, your skills will be in high demand. Starting salaries reflect the value of your expertise, with entry-level positions in the NHS starting at Band 5 (up to £28,000). With experience and advancement, the sky's the limit, with senior roles in Bands 8-9 reaching up to £99,000. Community pharmacists, too, enjoy competitive starting salaries, influenced by location, conditions of employment, and experience.

OSPAP Courses in UK Universities: Choosing Your Path

Selecting the right university for your OSPAP course is a decision that shapes your future. Each institution offers its unique flavor to the curriculum, tailored to meet the GPhC's rigorous standards while providing a supportive learning environment. Whether you prioritize location, faculty expertise, or specific areas of focus within pharmacy practice, there's a university out there that's the perfect fit for your aspirations.

Embarking on the OSPAP course is a bold step towards realizing your dream of practicing pharmacy in the UK. It's a journey of learning, growth, and professional development that culminates in a rewarding career, making a real difference in people's lives. With the right preparation, choice of institution, and dedication, the OSPAP can be your launchpad into the dynamic world of UK pharmacy.

Are you ready to take the leap? The OSPAP course is not just about becoming a pharmacist in the UK; it's about embarking on a career journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and the chance to make a lasting impact. Dive in, the future is bright!

1. Aston University. 
2. University of Brighton
3. University of Hertfordshire
4. Kingston University
5. University of Sunderland

Being the Best study abroad consultant in Kochi, Kerala, Exprenza provides the right OSPAP course guidelines and admissions for the right candidates in the UK.

Exprenza Private Limited
Kochi | Thrissur | Kattappana | Perinthalmanna

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UK Travel Restrictions- Effective from November 5th

 

New Restrictions from November 5th, 2020- ENGLAND, WALES, SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

A new lockdown is proposed for England, while Scotland is moving to a five-tier system of restrictions against covid-19 from Monday. Wales and Northern Ireland are in the middle of temporary lockdowns.

Prime minister Boris Johnson declared new lockdown rules would be started for England, but these rules are going to discussed and voted on by MPs in the house of commons before they come into force on Thursday. 

New lockdown rules for England

• People will be told to stay at home except for education, work (if it can't be done from home), exercise and recreation, medical reasons, shopping for food and other essentials, or to care for others
• All pubs and restaurants will have to close (takeaways and deliveries can continue)
• All non-essential shops will have to close. Bike shops, hardware stores, banks, pharmacies, post offices, garden centres and pet shops can remain open
• Schools, nurseries, colleges and universities will remain open
• Households will not be allowed to mix with others indoors, or in private gardens
• Individuals can meet one person from outside their household in an outside public space. Children under five are not counted
• Support bubbles for people who live alone and single-parent households can continue
• Support groups of 15 or fewer people are allowed, including those for new parents or people recovering from addictions
• Children will be able to move between homes if parents are separated
• Hotels will only open for people who have to travel for work plus a number of other limited reasons
• Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will not be allowed, apart from exceptional circumstances
• Places of worship will generally close but funerals, with a maximum of 30 people attending, individual prayer, and a few other activities will be allowed
• Workplaces will be asked to stay open if people cannot work from home - including construction and manufacturing
• Outdoor exercise and recreation will be allowed, but gyms will have to close
• Clinically vulnerable advised not to go to work if they are unable to work from home

After 2 December, different regions will return to the tiers system, depending upon the rates of infection

Depends on the local infection rate all the places in England are in one of these three categories till Thursday, 

• medium (tier one)
• high (tier two)  
• very high (tier three)

Lockdown rules in Wales

Lockdown is already applicable in wales from 23rd October 2020 to 9th November 2020 with the following restrictions,

• People must stay at home for most of the circumstances.
• People must not visit other families or meet other people they do not live with.
• Most of the non-essential business are closed which includes bars, pubs etc.
• Students who are above age 8 or studying in secondary school can continue their study through online classes.
• People must wear face coverings (masks) in all public places
• People can attend funerals and weddings but must fulfil the local rules.

Except this, all the supermarkets and groceries remain open but all the public must follow the local covid 19 protocol. Non-essential goods are not sold through supermarkets.

Lockdown rules in Scotland

Scotland is now following 0-4 levels of precaution measure and each area is now under one of these levels.

• Level zero - People live a normal life without any restrictions.  But, no region has been set in this level
• Level one - At this level, In time, six people from two families can meet indoors but that will not be allowed right now. Maximum of 6 people from two households can meet outdoors. Curfew is applicable after 22:30 for hospitality
• Level two - There were no family gatherings at home, but up to six people from two families can meet outdoors. Most hospitality venues can open with limited control in serving of alcohol
• Level three - No family gatherings at home. Hospitality venues can open till 18:00 but they don't serve alcohol. Non-essential travel in or out of the area is prohibited
• Level four - Complete lockdown but there is no place is now under this category of precaution.

Lockdown rules in Northern Ireland

Restrictions are already placed in Nothern Ireland on 16.10.2020 and will be valid for the next four weeks. 

Government is strictly following the restriction measures against covid 19 which are limiting contact with others

• Regular hand washing
• Wearing of face covering 
• Good social distancing

For more information regarding with updated lockdown news please visit UK government website.

Exprenza provides admission to Universities in UK and also advises students with the updated information with covid 19 news.  

Most of the top ranking universities which offers different kind of scholarships to international students are still accepting applications. Students choose to study in england must check the correseponding website to get the updated information regarding with the latest covid 19 protocol.

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