Through our blog posts we talk about career guidance. For these blog posts we research on various topics, this week we are going to speak on one such career field that has gained immense importance in the last two years. You may have guessed it from the post title and you have guessed it right. We are discussing TOP 5 courses to begin a Career in PHARMA INDUSTRY
Two years ago in the month of March, Govt. of India declared complete lockdown because of Covid 19 pandemic. soon after everyone realised the grave danger of the corona virus. Initially there was not much known about the virus and that created lot of misinformation about the treatment.
However, soon with the help of technology and continuous scientific efforts, we were able to develop Covid vaccines. The pharma sector played a significant role in discovery and distribution of the covid vaccines.
India’s place in the pharmaceutical market
India is home to world’s largest vaccine and drug producer, The Serum Institute. Less production costs and home grown faculty of scientists, are some of the reasons behind India’s growth as a top exporter of medicines and scientific equipment around the world. As a result, Indian companies such as Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila, Panacea Biotech, Indian Immunologicals also contribute in vaccine production and research.
The pharmaceutical Industry happens to be among the fastest growing industries in the world. It offers variety of career choices to young graduates. Students who are interested to study science should definitely focus on the pharmaceutical Industry.
Most preferred courses in Pharmaceutical Studies
As a student you can choose to do various courses related to pharma industry once you complete the high school (standard 12th exam). Now let’s look at TOP 5 courses to begin a Career in PHARMA INDUSTRY.
- Diploma in Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Master of Pharmacy
- Doctor of Pharmacy
- Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy
Diploma in Pharmacy
Diploma is short term course which covers basics of Pharmaceutical Industry. The duration of the course is usually two years and is focussed on concepts related to Biochemistry and Clinical pathology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, , Pharmacology and Toxicology etc.
To get an admission after 12th standard student MUST have studied Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects apart from Mathematics or Biology in 12th standard.
The curriculum of the diploma course is designed to teach students to understand drug dosage calculations, regularly used pharmacy computer systems, compounding, pharmacy practices and procedures. The diploma aims to train students to work under pharmacist’s supervision. Understand prescriptions, do the paperwork related to orders, Check patients requirement. He or She must also understand the basic medical terminologies used in the field.
As per the recently updated Govt guidelines a diploma student is eligible to open an online pharmacy, as the demand for online business is soaring every industry wants to be part of this industry.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
B Pharm or Bachelor of Pharmacy is a 4-year undergraduate degree program. To be eligible for this course, a candidate must have studied from science background in 12th standard. Should also score at least 50 per cent marks in chemistry, physics, biology, or biotechnology as one of the subjects.
This 4-year programme imparts useful knowledge about the healthcare business and biochemical science with subjects that primarily focus on Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Human Anatomy and Inorganic Medicinal Chemistry.
The core subjects help students to understand the basics of medicine and research related to it’s effective usage. There are various benefits of pursuing the B Pharm course.
As a student you can start your own pharmacy or get a further education through a master’s degree. One can also work at a pharmaceutical company as a medical representative.
Doctor of Pharmacy
D Pharm or Doctor of Pharmacy is doctorate level program that spans over 6 years. You can take admission for D Pharm after completing 10+2 studies. The program is divided in 2 stages, the first being academic study of 5 years. The second stage is of 1 year internship. The course deals with subjects in Pharmaceutics, Medical Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Hospital Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy etc.
D Pharm admissions are based on entrance tests. The entrance tests differ as per the college criteria. The admission process takes place around May – June each year.
Post completing the course you can work as Drug Expert, Retail Pharmacist, Director of Pharmacy at Hospitals or work as Clinical Pharmacist.
Compared to B Pharm graduates students who pursue D Pharm degree, have higher income possibilities. That does not mean B Pharm is not a good course, but since D Pharm is a doctorate level program it is more in-depth. That said it does not mean that B Pharm is not a good course, but since D Pharm is a doctorate level program it is more in-depth course.
Master of Pharmacy
If you are a student who is looking beyond job prospects or business opportunities, after completing B Pharm or D pharm. Who wants to continue pursuing the education then you can pursue a master’s degree in Pharmacy.
One who completes B Pharm degree successfully is eligible to apply for M Pharm degree. M Pharm prepares students in vital subjects related to Pharmaceutics, Product Development & Formulation, Drug Regulatory Affairs, Novel Drug Delivery Systems etc.
Students can choose specialisations while pursuing a Master’s program in Pharmacy. Some of the specialisations are listed here –
- Pharmacy Practice
- Regulatory Affairs
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Pharmaceutics
- Regulatory Affairs
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Phytopharmaceuticals & Natural Products
- Pharmacognosy
- Bio pharmaceutics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Drug Discover & Development
The program length is of two years and as a student one can choose to continue doing the research through taking further education or can start working in the pharmaceutical sector.
Many indian students choose to go abroad for further education post completing the master’s degree in India. Countries such as USA, Australia have good opportunities for master’s education.
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy
The most higher degree one can achieve in the field of pharmacy is a PhD. Degree. if you have completed Master of Pharmacy you can choose to do a PhD and become a doctor of philosophy.
Like any other PhD, this one is also based on research. To complete a PhD is a no child’s play and requires loads of patience and hard work. The minimum period to complete a PhD is around 3 years however it can take up to 5 years depending on the time and effort you put as a student.
You can choose a specialization for PhD from below mentioned options –
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutics
As a Doctor of pharmacy one can consider working with government in advisory role, become a faculty, work as consultant for private organizations or even working with non-profit organizations.
Pursuing a career in pharmacy sector is challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding career path. Among the fastest growing sectors, the pharmacy sector is not only good for making money but also serves great purpose of serving humanity.
What are the best colleges to begin a Career in PHARMA INDUSTRY in India?
If you have a genuine interest in public health and have decided to get into a career in Pharma, the first step would be choosing the right Educational institution. Therefore to know about the list of top universities, the entrance exams you need to take and the salary and demand for pharmacy careers, check our Career Library.
In this post we have discussed what education to pursue in pharmacy sector. In the coming post we will discuss the opportunities after completing the education in pharmacy.
We hope you liked reading about the pharmacy related education opportunities. If you are still not sure if you can choose between TOP 5 courses to begin a Career in PHARMA INDUSTRY then You can connect with us Amaze Career Counseling, We will be happy to solve all your queries related to career guidance.