notinal

Anyone interested for an internship position at an independent closed door pharmacy in San Diego? This is actually my current position and I'll be done by March, so it'll be available by then. It's a volunteer position, however they give you gas money and lunch is free. Its pretty small so you can definitely learn and perform everything that a pharmacist can (except for the signing part of course). You are also involved in everyday purchasing of orders. Hours are M-F 9:30-5:30. Sorry but my boss does not sponsor, if you're green card holder / US citizen with a valid California Intern License then you're welcome to apply. If interested, kindly send me your resume for review. Thanks!

I actually sent those fingerprint cards before but I think it's better not to until you have your SSN. When I submitted my SSN I had to do another fingerprinting since I heard its only valid every 6 months. What I did was when I sent them my application, I included a letter telling them that I'm aware that I don't have SSN and that I was only after the deficiency letter. Hope this helps. :)

hi havocer007! I also am a foreign graduate, when I submitted my forms I didn't include that page. Basically, I just included form pages 1-3, a copy of FPGEC, fingerprints, and a check for the fee. Let me also remind you that the intern license is only valid for 2 years, so you should have completed your required hours by then. If not, I think you have to pay again and repeat the process. What I did was I didn't apply for the license until I was certain that I have an employer. That way, I could maximize the validity of the permit. Good luck to you! :)

hi chinniv! Have you tried having your transcripts evaluated by ECE and NABP? If you did but were not allowed to take FPGEE, you might want to look into the option of taking up a "non-traditional PharmD" offered in some Pharmacy schools in the US. PM me if you have inquiries. all the best!:)

Hi IamPrincess! Regarding your query, Clinical Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy are two different programs in CEU. I honestly don't have any idea on how they do it for the Clinical Pharmacy all I know is that its a 5-year BS Pharmacy curriculum and yes it came AFTER their PharmD Program. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a post-graduate / professional degree and it takes 2 years to finish in addition to the usual 4 year BS degree (a total of 6 years). It's the one that I took actually, and yes I was able to take the FPGEE. I hope that helps to clarify. :)

Hi IamPrincess! I think you misunderstood what I meant when I said, "the only option then was PharmD from CEU". I was just saying that when I started this thread that was the only option I thought of. Since then, people were sharing their thoughts on the other programs such as those in Cebu and Davao. I did not mean to compare any of those programs. Nonetheless, this thread is solely for the purpose of informing people of their options if they would want to be eligible for FPGEE or even to pursue career in US. I don't even care which program came first (as far as existence) nor which BS Pharm schools their students are from. I'm more interested on which does deliver, and obviously all three programs are proven to make one eligible for FPGEE. Just for the record, PharmD from CEU Makati started on June 2005. During my time there, students were mainly from BSPharm schools in Manila (UP, UST, CEU) probably because not a lot knew about it. In contrast to what is usual, only 3 students of my class (including I) wanted to really pursue career in US. Moreover, 2 of those are now Pharmacist Interns and 1 finishing the Pharmacist Licensure process. I think 75% of class chose to stay in the Philippines. I heard some of those from earlier batches pursued their careers in other countries such as Singapore, Australia and Canada. Again, this thread is for exploring options on how "foreign pharmacists who graduated after 2003" may be eligible to sit for FPGEE. I do not intend to compare any of the available programs, but I was just sharing my experience just like other people here sharing theirs. (I do apologize if it made readers feel that way though.) I reckon each program has its unique curriculum and the choice for an option depends on the individual based on their needs and their convenience. Thank you all very much for sharing on this thread. all the best! :)

Hi EOlaes! Are you worried that the dean wouldn't accept you since you failed a class during your BS? I had a classmate from PharmD, she was also my classmate from BS and I know she failed about 3 classes then but she was still admitted to PharmD. I think the most important thing is you are a licensed Pharmacist. If you have more detailed inquiry you can send me a message. all the best!

Hi veroka64! I'm not Peruvian but I hope I could help you. The documents you need are: 1) 2 original copies of Official Transcripts signed and sealed on an envelope. This is the document where you can see your grades. 2) Proof of Degree is your Original Diploma, the one that they give you when you graduate (and you can hang on your wall if you wish). 3) ECE Application form and fees. Don't worry because they will return original documents to you after evaluation. All the best! :)

hey guys! I just want to express my gratitude for sharing all the experiences. I was the one who started this thread and the only option then was to take the PharmD degree from CEU Makati to be eligible for FPGEE. After few years, we were able to explore other options such as the Clinical Pharmacy Programs in Cebu and Davao.. I think anyone who would want to know further about these options just need to read this thread from the start and they'll definitely find answers. I am so happy that we were able to help each other, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing. I wish you all the best and May God bless us all. :)

hi damarlaanil! thank you for your response. :) I didn't know about TN regulations but I'll look into it.

Hi everyone! I hope someone can provide me with info about NABP's Naplex Score Transfer Program particularly to California. Right now, I'm waiting for a company where I could have my 1500 hrs internship in CA (San Diego). I am taking care of my uncle for 4 months now whom is recovering from stroke. I'm planning to take my NAPLEX on one of those states that do not require the internship hours before exam like Nevada just so I could maximize my time on pursuing my career even without having my internship yet. I've been trying to call CA BOP and reading through their website but I couldn't find any answers. I just want to make sure that when I take the exam I could transfer the scores to CA without me being licensed to that state where I initially took Naplex. Lastly, to those who are in San Diego area if you have any idea on which companies are currently hiring for an intern position or perhaps anything at all that could help to finish my intern hours, PLEASE do share. I would very much appreciate to hear from you. May God bless us all. :apple:

Hi Pinaypie! I heard about the 5-year program just before I was to graduate from PharmD. I wish I could be of help to you but I don't know anyone who took this program yet. Hope you'll find the answer to your query. all the best! :)

Hi Speedy, Honestly, I don't think I'm in the position to state my opinion on this one. I mean, every university has their own curriculum and the eligibility for taking the FPGEE is solely upon the discretion of NABP. However, if I may state the facts, if you go on the FPGEE Bulletin, they have reiterated that post-graduate degree may be considered provided the curriculum consists of clinical experience (not the exact words but the thought is like that). :orange: Furthermore, transcript will be evaluated by certain committee based on the units/subjects taken so it really depends. I'm sorry I wish I could help you on this but that's all I could share. Good luck though.

Hi Speedy! The answer to your question is yes. I was awarded with the degree and therefore I received a diploma for it. :)

Hi guys! Does anyone know a lawyer who's familiar with the intern pharmacist's job code and prevailing wage issues? I'm aware that the lawyer should make a letter explaining that there is no specific specialty code for "Pharmacist (Graduate) Intern" and explain how it is different to the duties of a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician. I've talked to 2 lawyers already and neither knew about this. :hmm: I did my own research and people kept mentioning this MERCER Survey where their lawyer had subscribed to in order to justify the prevailing wage of the position since it is not on the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center. I just want a lawyer who knows this process very well so if you know anyone please suggest. You can also pm me the contact details, I will very much appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

Hey hiholetsgo! Thank you so much, I'm overwhelmed. :D Unfortunately, you should start on June. Just to give you an insight about the curriculum, the first year is mainly classroom setting and is focused on Disease State Management for every system of the body and also Pharmaceutical Care. The first semester consists of pre-requisite subjects for the second semester so there's no way you could start on the second semester. The second year is a hospital setting (Makati Medical Center) and it is the actual clinical experience. Good luck and just keep the faith. With perseverance and confidence, you will be just fine. God bless you. :)

Hi! First, congratulations for passing the licensure exams! [clap] About your inquiry about the MS, I have never encountered anyone who has MS degree and was able to sit for FPGEE. If you would check on the FPGEE Bulletin, they have mentioned: "Post-baccalaureate degrees will not be considered except under limited circumstances where the degree obtained and coursework completed to obtain the degree satisfactorily show that the applicant obtained experience in patient care in a clinical pharmacy practice setting. Consideration of post-baccalaureate degrees and whether they may be applicable to determine the minimum required curriculum length will be made on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the FPGEC." I hope that helps. Best of luck!

hi sugaroverdosed! sorry for the late reply. First, Congratulations for passing the local board exams! [clap] About your plan on taking the PharmD degree I understand that initially it sounds intimidating, that's exactly how I felt (and its normal). I was also an average student during my BS Pharm, I was not a dean's lister nor have graduated with honors, but not to brag when I finished my PharmD, I got a "Distinction Award" for being the 3rd placer in our class.;) Honestly, I never aimed to be on top, I just wanted to get the degree for me to be able to sit for the FPGEE however, that perception changed as early as first semester of my first year because I enjoyed and I learned a lot. You know what I realized in the end? I am glad and thankful I was able to get that degree not solely for the FPGEE but most importantly, I have loved my profession even more after PharmD and understood the greater responsibility a pharmacist has. For my opinion, what I had during my BS Pharm is not enough especially if you're particular with the clinical aspect of our profession. But don't just take my word for it. It still depends on you, if you're determined to reach for your dreams (which I feel you are, coz if not you won't bother asking right?) you can do this! Best of luck to you. Cheers! :tup:

hi bibonagy! well, unfortunately I can't answer that question, because definitely there is screening. We had entrance examinations and interview with the College's dean before we got in. Also, one of the requirements for the program is really to be a licensed pharmacist. I hope I helped you somehow. You can always visit there website at http://www.ceu.edu.ph. goodluck!=)

Hi nfabo! im not really sure about that curriculum they have in Davao, but from what I've learned it is like +1 year additional clinical pharmacy and not a PharmD degree. I took my PharmD degree from CEU Makati and its a 2-year curriculum. I was able to sit for the April 2010 FPGEE as well passed my TOEFL iBT. I had my FPGEC certificate last month. =) So basically, I'm a living proof that taking PharmD degree in CEU Makati makes it possible to become FPGEC certified. For me it was all worth it, even if I'm still hoping to get an internship still, I made one step ahead of becoming a US pharmacist, don't you think? So good luck to you, reach for your dreams! =)

Hi HeartsOfRomaine! So you're a batchmate. =) Well, actually 1 of the 7 already took the exam last October 2009 and she passed, she even got her certificate already. The remaining 6 (including I) will all be taking the exam this April 2010. :) As for your question, if NABP did just allow me to sit for the exam is because I studied continuously? No, not necessarily. A lot of my classmates from PharmD who will be sitting for this April exam have finished their BS degree around 2004 - 2005, then enrolled in PharmD in 2007. Thank you and Good luck to you too!

hi crisjing! first of all, thanks! yes I know Ms. Cauilan, I heard she's in the US but didn't know she's still there because some of my classmates said she came back because of discrimination issues, I'm not sure though. :hmm:So about your questions: 1. The first year of PharmD curriculum is a classroom setting. We had Immunology, Disease State Management 1-6 (different body systems), then Pharmaceutical Care 1-8? (this is like the Management Part, OTC/Self-care, Pharmacokinetics, etc) - for my opinion, it's like the subjects you really need for FPGEE. By the way, it's really different from that of BS because its mainly on the clinical aspect of pharmacy. The second year is an internship to be held in Makati Medical Center (Jun-Sep, Nov-Mar) and Manson/MedExpress (October only). Once a week in the hospital there will be a lecture from the doctors (different departments/week) with quiz after, and also a case study (1 for each student/semester) presented individually. Then your hospital duty is only 3days/week. 2. Classroom setting - half day monday - friday individual reporting Hospital setting - 1 day usually wednesday lecture/quiz/case study then 3days/wk 8am-5pm rounds 3. I think Masteral and PharmD are really different, im just not sure. :rolleyes: 4. Perhaps you could give that a try, but I think it would be best if you'll call them so you can have straight answers for your queries right away. There. I hope I was able to help you. :) God bless. Good luck!

anjeanette, I just want to add some things regarding this topic. Even if you finished other degree than BS Pharm, still ECE (for evaluation of transcript) will look after your Pharmacy curriculum ONLY. They will indicate there that you have your BS Management Degree but it will not count except for the minor subjects you had there which was credited when you took your BS Pharmacy. Perhaps you can also do some research on the additional 1 year Clinical Pharmacy if you are in a hurry to take the FPGEE. I honestly don't have any idea on that. I'm just sharing my experience as I see myself in you when I started this thread, I was really confused and had no assurance that our PharmD will be recognized by NABP. God is really good. Let me just share with you the Evaluation report I had from ECE: 1. US Equivalence: Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Pharmaceutical Sciences Credential: BS in Pharmacy (this is a four-year program that represents the first professional degree in pharmacy in the Philippines) ** then the school, year graduated, etc.. 2. US Equivalence: Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Credential: Doctor of Pharmacy (this is a two-year program that represents a professional degree in Pharmacy in the Philippines) ** then the school, year graduated, etc.. I'm just giving you an idea how they evaluate your credentials. I really hope I enlightened you somehow. Good luck! Godbless.

hi again! absolutely yes! as for my case, I graduated my BS Pharmacy from University of Santo Tomas (2006). I took the Licensure Exam on January 2007 and passed, after which I enrolled for PharmD at Centro Escolar University in Makati City on June 2007 (it is required that you are licensed already) and graduated on March 2009. Actually, the transcript that was issued after my PharmD also includes the curriculum I had in BS Pharm. but it is indicated there that it was from University of Santo Tomas. I think this is just to emphasize that I had a total of 6 years of study (4yr BS + 2 yr PharmD).