Welcome to pharmacy
THE NOBLE PROFESSION
What is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is not just about a drugstore. For those who study pharmacy can also choose research and development of medicine as a career option.
A drug/medicine before being prescribed by a doctor has to undergo tests and approvals. It is tested in a lab, studied for dosage and side effects, only then prescription guidelines are formed. The medicines then undergo clinical trials and only when after studying all the possible effects of the medicine, it is introduced in the market. Pharmacists are a part of the entire process. They are also responsible for introducing a new drug/ medicine to various medical practitioners.
The role of pharmacist does not end here. They study and keep track of all medicines and products with market surveys by connecting with a medical practitioner and distributors for any side effects, reactions and allergies, etc. Although, before distribution in a market the medicines are tested in labs because of the complexity and diversity of human beings, different outcomes from the same medicine can occur, therefore, a pharmacy practitioner has to research and develop medicines and prescriptions at multitudes. Pharmacy basically includes everything related to your wellness right from the food you consume to the cosmetics, lifestyle products, health and chemical products that you use.
Looking at the scope of Pharmacy in the healthcare industry, a survey report called ‘Pharmacy at a glance 2015-2017 by International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), community pharmacy is the largest contributor with 75.1 per cent registered pharmacists employed followed by hospital pharmacy with 13.2 per cent. The services provided by pharmacy practitioners include:
Improving the use of medicines: Reviewing medicines, medicines for hypertension management, directly observed treatments, short courses based medicines, medication reconciliation and new drug development.
Product-focused services: This includes compounding medicines (based on prescriptions by medical practitioners) and assembling expired medicines from a market.
Public health services: This includes promoting health initiatives, vaccinations, health camps and other health-related awareness.
World Health Organization (WHO) in India is aiming to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector, including drug regulations, volume and trade, to facilitate the pharmaceuticals in becoming crucial for India’s growth. The WHO in close association with the Government of India controls the strengths and collaborations for improving the pharmaceutical sector.
For making WHO 2030 Sustainable Development agenda a success, access to medicines is a critical factor. Thus, WHO India’s key strategy is to strengthen the Regulatory system that can help access to quality, safe, effective and inexpensive medical products in an unbiased manner.
Moreover, WHO India is also effectively working on establishing pharmacovigilance systems by mintegrating public health programmes, promoting rational drug use initiatives for a medical product in accordance with National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance as well as strengthening procurement and supply chain management.
Pharmacy Entrance Tests in India
To enrol in any of the pharmacy courses, candidates need to fulfil the eligibility criteria, appear and clear respective admission tests of different pharmacy colleges/institutes. The selection procedure includes academic eligibility, valid scores and rank in entrance tests. Here is a list of Pharmacy entrance exams:
Other Pharmacy Examinations
| |
Required Skillset for Pharmacy:
While a person pursuing a career in this field will be able to develop core skills and knowledge after pursuing a Pharmacy course and gaining experience with years of practising, however, they need to have basic skills set. These include:
Communication skills and tnterpersonal skills
|
Medicinal and scientific research skills
|
Curiosity and persuasive skills
|
Business skills like marketing, organising
|
Technical skills
|
Sharp memory and knowledge
|
Therapeutic and counselling skills
|
Medical writing and ethics
|
Determinant and consistency skills
|
Adaptation ability to dynamic situations
|
Pharmacy Eligibility Criteria
Pharmacy is offered at different levels and to get admission in any of the Pharma courses, candidates need to fulfil the required eligibility criteria for the particular course. Check below eligibility criteria for Pharmacy courses:
Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm): Candidates should have completed higher secondary education with science subjects i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
Bachelor in Pharmacy (B. Pharm): Candidates must have completed their higher education from national- or state-level education board. They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology and English subjects. They must complete 17 years of age on December 31 of year of admission.
Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm): Candidates who have completed B. Pharm degree with minimum qualifying marks as required from a pharmacy college as approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
For Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D): For six-year course, candidates must have completed higher education from any state/national education board. They must have studied Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects with Mathematics or Biology as additional subjects. They must have completed 17 years of age in the year of admission. Or, candidates holding a diploma in pharmacy are also eligible for Pharm. D course provided they fulfil all other conditions as well.
On the other hand, for a three-year course candidates, who have completed Bachelor of Pharmacy course from an institute recognized under the PCI, are eligible for Pharm. D course. They must have completed higher secondary education or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or Biology subjects.
Course Curriculum for Pharmacy
A student pursuing a Pharmacy course at UG/PG/Diploma/PhD level will be studying the course curriculum including specialised topics, assignments, projects, industrial training, internship, etc. Moreover, the curriculum of Pharmacy courses also includes communication skills develelopment, environmental science studies, ethical practices and regulations of Pharmacy Council of India. Here we have provided Pharmacy course curriculum at different levels:
Pharmacy Courses | |
Course name | Syllabus |
Diploma in Pharmacy
|
Pharmaceutics
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Pharmacognosy
Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Human Education and
Community Pharmacy
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
Drugs Store and Business Management
Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy
|
Pharm. D
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Pharmaceutics
Medicinal Biochemistry
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry
Remedial Mathematics/ Biology
Pathophysiology
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Pharmacognosy & Phyto-pharmaceuticals
Pharmacology
Community Pharmacy
Pharmaco-therapeutics
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Hospital Pharmacy
Clinical Pharmacy
Biostatistics & Research Methodology
Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics
Clinical Toxicology
Clinical Research
Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics
Clinical Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacotherapeutic Drug Monitoring
|
B. Pharm
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Pharmaceutics
Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry
Communication skills
Remedial Biology/Remedial Mathematics
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Pathophysiology
Computer Applications in Pharmacy
Environmental sciences
Physical Pharmaceutics
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Pharmaceutical Engineering
Medicinal Chemistry
Pharmacology
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Industrial Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
Herbal Drug Technology
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Quality Assurance
Herbal Drug Technology
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Pharmacy Practice
Novel Drug Delivery System
Biostatistics and Research Methodology
Social and Preventive Pharmacy
Pharma Marketing Management
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science
Pharmacovigilance
Quality Control and Standardization of Herbals
Computer Aided Drug Design
Cell and Molecular Biology
Cosmetic Science
Experimental Pharmacology
Advanced Instrumentation Techniques
Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals
|
Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutics
|
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques
Drug Delivery System
Modern Pharmaceutics
Regulatory Affair
Molecular Pharmaceutics (NanoTech and Targeted DDS)
Advanced Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics
Computer Aided Drug Delivery System
Cosmetic and Cosmeceuticals
|
MPharm in Industrial Pharmacy
|
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques
Pharmaceutical
Formulation Development
Novel drug delivery systems
Intellectual Property Rights
Advanced Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
Scale up and Technology Transfer
Pharmaceutical Production Technology
Entrepreneurship Management
|
MPharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
|
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Advanced Medicinal chemistry
Chemistry of Natural Products
Advanced Spectral Analysis
Computer Aided Drug Design
Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry
|
MPharm in Pharmaceutical Analysis
|
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques
Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis
Pharmaceutical Validation
Food Analysis
Advanced Instrumental Analysis
Modern Bio-Analytical Techniques
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Herbal and Cosmetic Analysis
|
MPharm in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
|
Analytical Techniques
Quality Management System
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Product Development and Technology Transfer
Hazards and Safety Management
Pharmaceutical Validation
Audits and Regulatory Compliance
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology
|
MPharm in Regulatory Affairs
|
Good Regulatory Practices
Documentation and Regulatory Writing
Clinical Research Regulations
Regulations and Legislation for Drugs & Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Biologicals & Herbals, and Food & Nutraceuticals In India and Intellectual Property Rights
Regulatory Aspects of Drugs & Cosmetics
Regulatory Aspects of Herbal & Biologicals
Regulatory Aspects of Medical Devices
Regulatory Aspects of Food & Nutraceuticals
|
MPharm in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques
Microbial and Cellular Biology
Bioprocess Engineering and Technology
Advanced Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Proteins and protein Formulation
Immuno-technology
Bioinformatics and Computer Technology
Biological Evaluation of Drug Therapy
|
MPharm in Pharmacy Practice
|
Clinical Pharmacy Practice
Pharmaco-therapeutics
Hospital & Community Pharmacy
Clinical Research
Principles of Quality Use of Medicines
Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Pharmaco-epidemiology & Pharmaco-economics
|
MPharm in Pharmacology
|
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques
Advanced Pharmacology
Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening Methods
Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
Principles of Drug Discovery
Experimental Pharmacology practical
|
MPharm in Pharmacognosy
|
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques
Advanced Pharmacognosy
Phytochemistry
Industrial Pharmacognostical Technology
Medicinal Plant biotechnology
Indian system of medicine
Herbal cosmetica
|
Pharmacist: As a pharmacist usually is associated with healthcare centres, individual medical practitioners, hospitals, and every medical association. Their responsibilities include advising medical practitioners in healthcare industry i.e. doctors, nurses, medical technicians about drugs and its uses, dosage as well as side effects. They also check for safety standards of new medicines developed, advice on medicines with suitable diets, dosages, prescription or no prescription drugs as well as to suggest the most appropriate form of medications such as tablet, vaccination, drops, ointments, liquid syrups, inhalers etc. The sales, marketing and distribution of medicines is also managed by pharmacists.
Pharmacologist: A person holding a degree in Pharmacology specialisation works in research and development of Drugs for Pharmacy Industry. A Pharmacologist studies, observes and alters the drugs developed as per the standards of Pharmacy Regulations. They majorly work in cardiovascular pharmacology, Neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, safety pharmacology, Toxicology and more.
Food and cosmetic products development scientist: A pharmacy degree holder is not just restricted to preparing drugs but also, they are involved in researching and developing products beyond medicines such as for cosmetics and food. There are people who are allergic to certain food such as gluten allergy, lactose intolerance etc. and on the consumption of such foods, they develop serious allergies, therefore, a pharmacy scientist researches to develop food free from these allergic elements. In a similar way, they help develop harmless and non-allergic cosmetic products. For a scientist, a laboratory is the workplace, most of the time is invested in writing about research carried out by them along with right instructions. All the how-to-use instructions, best before/expiry dates, ingredients and any specific note you find on medicines, cosmetics and food products is a scientists’ work. They send the guidelines/instructions after lab testing as per the standards set by the regulatory authorities to the manufacturing units.
Clinical Trial Research Associate – This role is relatively crucial because as an associate in Clinical Trial Research, the collection of data in research studies, interpret it as well as document the research. Moreover, the CTR Associate is responsible to verify the vaccinations, medicines, medical devices and other clinical monitoring tools. They are involved in ensuring that protocols are followed, regulations are considered as well as authenticating the CRT data and information. The CRT associates manage the clinical studies for diseases, diagnostics and monitoring the clinical study labs as well as risk management in clinical trials.
Pharmacy Top Recruiters
Indian Recruiters | International Recruiters |
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Pharmacy CHP FAQs
Q. Being a Pharmacist (B. Pharm), how will the post-graduation specialization in Pharmaceutics help me shape my career?A. Pharmaceutics is one of the most preferred branch for M. Pharm. Pharmaceutics is the branch that will help you learn about the process of production of Tablets, Syrups, Capsules, Suppositories and other dosage forms of active chemical/medicinal substances. The global pharmaceuticals market was worth $934.8 billion in 2017 and is still growing at a much faster speed. You can gain experience and expertise in product research and drug design avenues.
Q. I got only 50% in B. Pharm course but scored very good marks in GPAT, how will it be beneficial for me?
A. You are a GPAT qualified and hence you can pursue M. Pharm in any of the different branches such as
- Master of Pharmacy – M. Pharm. Pharmaceutics
- Master of Pharmacy – M. Pharm. Pharmacology
- Master of Pharmacy – M. Pharm. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Master of Pharmacy – M. Pharm. Pharmaceutical Analysis
Masters in Pharmacy will help you gain knowledge and expertise in a particular domain and greater career aspects as well.
Q. What does a Pharmacist do on a daily basis?A. Pharmacists are the bridging gap between the doctor and the patient. The major task a pharmacist carries forward is to dispense drugs and medicines prescribed by the doctors, surgeons and other health practitioners and inform the patients about their use and precautions. Pharmacists may also advise or suggest doctors and health practitioners about the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medicines and drugs.
Q. Can I pursue a course in Pharmacy after completing my 12th? What courses can I choose from?A. Yes, you can pursue various courses after completing your 12th. Depending upon your choice and aspirants you can choose from Diploma, Degree and Doctoral programmes. Starting with Diploma in Pharmacy, which is a three-year course and students who have completed 12th with Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics) are eligible to pursue this course. After that, you can also opt for B. Pharm and B. Pharm (Ayurveda) which is a four-year course. Again students who have passed the 12th Science stream are eligible to pursue the above-mentioned courses.
You can also choose Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) which is a Doctoral level course. But students who have passed 12th Science stream with subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics are eligible to pursue the Pharm D course. D. Pharm program is a six years course.
Q. What type of career aspects I can expect after completing any programme in Pharmacy?A. You can choose any of the role from the list below depending upon your interest and inclination
- Pharmacist
- Medical representative
- Scientist (Research field)
- Teacher (Junior Lecturer)
- Quality Control Officer
- Clinical Research professional
- Drug Inspector
- Marketing professional
I am happy to share with u all some knowledge about pharmacy
ReplyDelete