High-quality healthcare systems… this is what Australia is renowned for when it comes to healthcare. That is why a lot of overseas healthcare professionals want to become part of its universal healthcare, world-class hospitals, medical research and innovation, and healthcare education and training. Don’t you know that Australian pharmacists are highly trained as evidenced by the fact that the country is a leader in drug regulation and development? But to be able to register as a pharmacist in this country, you have to pass first the OPRA exam.
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam is about to replace the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) starting in March 2025. To be administered by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), with a duration of 2.5 hours, it consists of the following topics: Biomedical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Therapeutics and Patient Care. Forty-five percent, the biggest emphasis is given to Therapeutics and the application of knowledge. The test will check the overseas-trained pharmacist’s readiness to start an internship in Australia. For your OPRA exam preparation, you need to create a study plan.
Be Aware of the Exam’s Structure and Coverage
Knowing the exam’s format and content will enable you to create an organized, accurate, and effective study plan. Read and understand the exam guidelines or syllabus provided by the administering office. Check the weightage of each topic to help you prioritize your study time.
Assess Where You Will Start
Make a self-assessment of your strengths and weaknesses so you can assign more time to challenging areas. Which topics do you struggle with more? Give them more time to study and practice.
Set Precise Goals and Milestones
Your objectives must be realistic and measurable to really check on your progress. You can set smaller milestones to make the process more manageable and keep you motivated. Don’t forget to always indicate the time when you expect to accomplish your goals to gauge your accomplishment easily.
Structure a Study Schedule
For easy tracking of your attained objectives, you may use a digital tool like the Google Calendar or a physical planner to organize your schedule. What you may include in your weekly schedule are regular reviews and practice tests aside from the dedicated studying sessions. You must be able to apply effective time management here.
Utilize Quality Study Materials
You must secure study materials that align with the OPRA exam’s requirements – official study guides or textbooks, online courses, sample questions, and research papers or case studies in pharmacy practice. Joining study groups or forums would also be very helpful.
Practice Active Learning
Some of the active learning techniques that you can use are summarizing, flashcard utilization, applying concepts, or teaching others.
Apply Flexibility as You Monitor YourProgress
Don’t hesitate to revise your plan if the need arises. As you monitor your accomplishments you will be able to determine which part of your plan is effective and which needs revision.
Include Self-Care
As you take serious preparation for the exam, you should never take for granted your physical and mental well-being. You should keep in mind that your healthy mind and body should work hand in hand with your test preparation. Enough sleep, nutritious food, and regular breaks every day will help you accomplish your study plan.
As the exam day approaches, you can simulate test conditions by taking a full-length exam under time pressure and then evaluate your performance. You still have time for improvement.