Career in Pharmacy

In the rapidly changing global scenario, the pharmaceutical industry and professionals will play a vital role in shaping up the Indian economy. The coming years will see a growing demand for pharmacy professionals not only in the country, but even worldwide. Increasing number of hospitals, nursing homes and pharmaceuticals companies all over the country is a clear indication of the growing scope in this area.

Pharmacy is an exciting blend of science and health care. It is a vital part of the health care system. Pharmacists play a vital role in improving patient care through the medicine and information they provide. They study the chemistry of drugs, their origin, procedures for drug development, their preparation, dispensing, their effects and eventual use for prevention and treatment of disease.

Pharmacy offers reasonably good career opportunities with excellent earning potential. Pharmacists are considered as one of the most highly trusted professionals because of the care and service they provide.

Qualification

The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), 4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) and Ph.d programmes.

At Bachelor level there is no specialization. At the masters level (M Pharm) specialization is available in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering etc. And after M.Pharm candidates can go for Ph.d programme in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management.

Personal Traits

Pharmacists must have a scientific bent of mind and should have interest in medicine. An ability to put hard work, strong logical thinking and a sense of responsibility are some of the qualities needed for pharmacists. Sympathetic attitude, caring mannerisms and a friendly disposition are required for dealing with patients.

Pharmacists in research and industries should have strong analytical ability and strong academic foundation. Excellent communication skills are required by pharmacists engaged in marketing and in the production units of industries. Retail pharmacists need to have business skills together with good product knowledge. An ability to work methodically, carefully and accurately is needed to work in hospitals, stores and laboratories.

Career Options

A career in pharmacy, unfolds a vista full of opportunities leading to a golden future for a young career aspirant. The job opportunities, working conditions, job satisfaction and monetary benefits are excellent.

The job avenues for a pharmacist are with pharmaceutical industry, government departments, universities, teaching hospitals, investigation and research institute etc. There are also employment opportunities within the food and cosmetic industries or within any other industry that requires the assurance that new products are as safe and effective as possible.

Within the pharmaceutical industry you might be involved in activities relating to the development, formulation, production or marketing of new drugs for clinical use. Drug control administration and armed forces also offer a wide range of opportunities to pharmacists. Appointments are also available in sale promotion work as medical representatives.

M.pharm or Ph.D holders are normally absorbed in research work, to develop new useful drugs, in laboratories and in production work in pharmaceutical industry and analyzing them for purity and strength. Pharmacist may also take up teaching as a profession as lectures in pharmacy colleges and universities.

A diploma or degree holder in Pharmacy, after registering with the State Pharmacy Council, can set up and run their own pharmacy or chemists and druggists shop to stock and sell medicines and dispense them according to doctors prescriptions.