Nowadays, the role of the Pharmacist has changed from merely a dispenser to a medical counselor, educator, researcher, medical management expert, etc. and students get 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 describes the four different courses in the field of pharmacy which will help the students to shape their 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 life 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.
- Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
- Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)
- Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D)
- Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharmacy): This 2 years diploma is considered to be 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.
- 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 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 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).
- 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 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.
- 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, 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.
