Saudi Arabia is a country with a growing economy and a high demand for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.
However, becoming a licensed pharmacist in Saudi Arabia requires certain procedures and qualifications to be met.
In this article, we will outline 4 steps to becoming a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Document verification
The first step to becoming a licensed pharmacist in Saudi Arabia is to have your documents verified by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).
The Dataflow Group manages the verification process for SCFHS.
You can visit their website at https://www.dfgateway.com/ and sign up for an account.
Once you’ve created an account, select “New Application,” fill in the required details, purchase your desired package, and proceed with payment.
You will receive a Data Flow PSV Report with a reference number upon successful completion.
Step 2: Professional classification
Mumaris Plus is the unified portal for the services of SCFHS for healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia.
Professional classification is the process of granting the appropriate professional degree to the healthcare practitioner based on their qualifications, experiences, and professional evaluation.
To begin this process, visit Create a mumaris plus account and fill out the professional classification forms, and pay the fee.You will get classification certificate.
Step 3: Prometric examination(SPLE)
To register for the Saudi Pharmacy Licensure Exam (SPLE), visit the Prometric website at Prometric and sign up.
Schedule your SPLE from the Test Takers tab in the dashboard, and submit your application by providing your eligibility ID.
Once your application is processed, a scheduling permit with your eligibility period will be issued.
After obtaining the scheduling permit, you may visit the specified website to schedule a test date.
The SPLE is a computer-based test with three sets and a total testing period of 6 hours.
Each candidate may take the SPLE up to four times a year.
The marks required to pass the SPLE are 536 out of a total of 800.
After obtaining a pass score in the SPLE, each candidate is eligible for two further attempts to improve their mark for the purpose of attaining a better opportunity for residency selection.
Step 4: Find jobs and Process visa
After passing the SPLE, the next step is to find a job in Saudi Arabia.
You can look for job postings online or through recruitment agencies.
Once you have an offer letter, the employer will process your visa.
Note that if you come to Saudi Arabia on a different visa, you cannot work as a pharmacist.
Pharmacist Salaries in Saudi Arabia
Pharmacist salaries in Saudi Arabia vary depending on the type of pharmacy and level of experience.
As mentioned earlier, Community Pharmacists earn an average of 5000 SAR/month, Clinical Pharmacists earn around 6000 SAR/month, and Industrial Pharmacists earn an average of 5000 SAR/month.
However, these salaries can vary based on several factors, such as years of experience, level of education, and location of the pharmacy.
It is essential to research the average salaries in the area you wish to work in and negotiate your salary package accordingly.
Reference Books for SPLE
As a pharmacist, you will need to have a strong knowledge base of pharmaceuticals and their effects on the human body.
Hence, it is crucial to invest in reference books that will help you prepare for the pharmacy licensure exam in Saudi Arabia.
Some of the recommended books include The APhA Complete Review for Pharmacy, Lippincott’s Biochemistry, Lippincott’s Pharmacology, Aulton’s Pharmaceutics, Shargel’s Biopharmaceutics, and Brian L. Strom Pharmacoepidemiology.
Additionally, you will also need to familiarize yourself with the drug list in KSA and the MOH list of required immunizations.
Saudization In Pharmacist Jobs In Saudi
Saudization is a policy in saudi arabia aimed at increasing the employment of saudi citizens in various sectors of the economy, including the pharmacy industry.
Recent data showed only 28% of pharmacy jobs were held by saudis, with the majority held by expatriates.
However, with the implementation of the policy, the goal is to increase the number of saudi citizens employed in the industry to 50% by 2023.
This policy has already been successful in other industries such as retail, with malls reaching 100% saudization.
The policy aims to provide more employment opportunities to saudi citizens and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital Pharmacist vacancies
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Saudi Arabia is one of the leading hospitals in the region, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch medical care.
Recently, the hospital announced a new round of hirings for various pharmacy positions, including Clinical Pharmacists, Medication Safety Officers, Pharmacists I and II, Senior Liaison Pharmacists, and more.
This is a great opportunity for pharmacists looking to work in a dynamic and challenging environment and make a difference in patient care.
Find latest vacancies list here.>Click here<
The hospital offers competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for growth and development.
If you’re a qualified pharmacist looking for an exciting career opportunity in Saudi Arabia, King Faisal Hospital could be the perfect place for you.
Becoming a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia requires several steps, including document verification, professional classification, and passing the Prometric exam.
It is essential to research the average salaries in the area you wish to work in and negotiate your salary package accordingly.
Additionally, investing in reference books and familiarising yourself with the drug list in KSA and the MOH list of required immunisations can help you prepare for your career as a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia.