[Armaros]

Hello!

If a pharmacist were to qualify and pass their pre-registration year and exam, and then perhaps work for a year or two before taking a significant career break (say 7 years), what would be the impediments to their returning to work? I assume that their knowledge may have become outdated: would they have to take any kind of refresher? Would such a substantial break from CPD render them almost unemployable, or are things not quite so bleak?

Thank you very much for answering

[Abir Ishtiaq]

(Original post by Armaros)
Hello!

If a pharmacist were to qualify and pass their pre-registration year and exam, and then perhaps work for a year or two before taking a significant career break (say 7 years), what would be the impediments to their returning to work? I assume that their knowledge may have become outdated: would they have to take any kind of refresher? Would such a substantial break from CPD render them almost unemployable, or are things not quite so bleak?

Thank you very much for answering

I'm not sure, and this is only a guess, but I think they would have to re-register themselves and take an exam to keep up to date with the recent pharmacy advancements

[RxKaren]

CPPE run a return to practice programme for community pharmacists to get them back into practice. If you're on the register you have an obligation to maintain your CPD. Have a look at the GPhC registration pages to see if that answers your questions.

I've not heard of anyone taking a career break needing to resit any exam but I have heard of people signing up for the CPPE programme to show commitment to their return to practice.

[jami74]

(Original post by Armaros)
Hello!

If a pharmacist were to qualify and pass their pre-registration year and exam, and then perhaps work for a year or two before taking a significant career break (say 7 years), what would be the impediments to their returning to work? I assume that their knowledge may have become outdated: would they have to take any kind of refresher? Would such a substantial break from CPD render them almost unemployable, or are things not quite so bleak?

Thank you very much for answering

I know of someone who left the country and took a ten year career break. I was really surprised to hear that she just did a short refresher course and was allowed to work again as a pharmacist. However, I don't think her CPDs are up to date.

[Armaros]

Many thanks for all your answers and pointers — they've been very helpful in my considerations.

[barnetlad]

Hope it all goes well for you.

[TigerSwift]

(Original post by RxKaren)
CPPE run a return to practice programme for community pharmacists to get them back into practice. If you're on the register you have an obligation to maintain your CPD. Have a look at the GPhC registration pages to see if that answers your questions.

I've not heard of anyone taking a career break needing to resit any exam but I have heard of people signing up for the CPPE programme to show commitment to their return to practice.

There is a short FAQ on this: http://www.pharmacyregulation.org/co...equirements-be

My advice would be to call the GPhC directly and ask them what the procedures are - and as above I hear the CPPE returning to practice programme is really good. I think the GPhC has the power to place conditions on registration so they may request you do some work with another pharmacist (which I have heard about in the past). Again, they will be the ones who decide upon your registration so you're best contacting them.