Nowadays, the role of the Pharmacist has changed from merely a drug dispenser to amedical counselor, educator, researcher, medical management expert, etc. and studentsget confused about what to opt for, particularly in the stream of pharmacy. Moreover,they are not aware of the different courses they can choose from. This article describesthe four different courses in the field of pharmacy which will help the students to shapetheir future.
Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients feel better and get well as quickly as possible. It
is a diverse and rewarding career, with opportunities for patient care, scientific research, and
innovation. This profession is considered as a myriad of healthcare environments. As a subject
allied to medicine and biological sciences, these days pharmacology has remained a popular
degree choice for national as well as international students. These days, most of the top
pharmacy colleges in India are constantly upgrading their programs to create an excellent and
world-class academic environment refining the practical aspects of the field. The only aim of
such colleges is to motivate the students regularly by imparting them with the spirit of humanity,
commitment and dedication towards their work. As healthcare is considered to be an important
segment of a nation’s economy admitting itself to be the pillar of the healthcare sector, the
career field in pharmacy is influencing the living standards of most people. As a result of
which, Pharmacy education has adopted many good practices that have ultimately resulted in
the making of trustworthy and ethical Pharmacists.
Why choose Pharmacy as a career option?
Opting for this course is a perfect option for students who hold a keen interest in pharmacy,
medicines, and life sciences. An appealing personality and a high level of patience is a
prerequisite for this course. One should have a keen interest in understanding the
concept bearing a lot of patience which develops in one ethical awareness and
interpersonal awareness. A sense of responsibility and strong logical thinking are other
attributes that go well with this course. Moreover, this course suits the students who
want a fulfilling career in supporting the health service of the country. If you have
excellent communication skills and a flair for convincing people, you are always
welcomed in the world of pharmacy.
Courses in Pharmacy:
The students who are interested in the medical field (except to become a doctor) can choose
the courses from this stream in the best pharmacy college in India. After the completion of the
course in pharmacy, one can pursue his career as a pharmacist and can work in a range of
industries related to the prescription, manufacture & provision of medicines. There are four
courses related to the stream of pharmacy which is offered by most of the universities. One
can choose from these courses as per the previous qualification.
1. Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)
2. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
3. Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)
4. Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D)
1. Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharmacy): This 2 years diploma is considered to be the
the foundation of the pharmacy stream which covers the basic information related to the pharmacy stream. is designed to prepare the candidates to work under the supervision of community pharmacies, licensed pharmacists in hospitals, and other pharmaceutical-related fields. Having a huge advancement in the medical sciences, after the completion of the course; a student can get job opportunities in various industries related to prescription, manufacture & provision of medicines as the demand of qualified and trained pharmacy professionals. One can opt for this course after completion of 10+2 in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology) group from a recognized board/ university.
2. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm): B.Pharm is a 4-year undergraduate degree course in the pharma field. After the successful completion of the B Pharmacy course, one can opt from a wide range of choices to pursue their career. B Pharmacy degrees also give the opportunity to
work for both Government and Private sector organizations. A wide range of industries related
to the prescription, manufacture & provision of medicines is open to a Pharmacist. The B.
Pharmacy is one of the popular job-oriented courses among science students after class 12th.
In this course, the students study drugs and medicines, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medicinal
Chemistry, etc. After B. Pharmacy, one can go for R&D, F&D, Toxicology, Clinical and
Preclinical trials, Clinical Research, Quality Control and Assurance, IPR, DRA,
Biopharmaceutics, Kinetic studies, Marketing, the Teaching profession, and Information technology.
A pharmacy graduate can also be a Drug inspector, Government Analyst, etc., and get a
government job. The students who are interested in the medical field (except to become a
doctor) can choose this course after the completion of class 12th (PCM/B).
3. Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm): Master of Pharmacy or M.Pharm is a postgraduate degree course in the field of pharmaceutical science and its related subjects, having a number of specializations such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and many more.After the completion of
In this course, the student can either work in a company or go for higher studies. One who is a
graduate from this particular field can pursue this course for higher studies with specializations.
For admission in M. Pharm, a number of entrance tests are conducted for admission to the
various colleges, the most popular among them is GPAT.
Moreover, this course of M.Pharma offers specialization in various fields like Regulatory Affairs,
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Analysis,
Pharmacy Practice, Cardiovascular Pharmaceutics, etc. Each of these specializations is highly
popular and can give students a bright future.
4. Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D): Pharm D or “Doctor of Pharmacy” is the professional
pharmacy program at the doctorate level. In India, this doctoral level course is of six years
duration after 10+2 or D. Pharm which includes five years of academic study and one year of
internship. In some countries, it is a first professional degree and a prerequisite for licensing to
practice the profession of pharmacy or to become a clinical pharmacist. After the completion of
this program, one can work as a pharmacist and can practice at both government and private
hospitals which will give a decent return on investment, as after completion of the program,
there are a lot of positions available such as Pharmacists, drug experts, retail pharmacists,
hospital pharmacy directors, hospital staff pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, etc. This course is
a combination of science and the art of dispensing medicines. The course was launched in India in 2008 and is regulated by the Pharmacy Council of India.
So, one can make the right choice in choosing the right course of pharmacy for them which will
provide a wide spectrum of job opportunities in the public and private sector along with
venturing into their own Pharma business.
