They were planning a career after Pharm D in a country with a population of more than a billion population is promising. The Pharm D graduates and postgraduates had few professional possibilities a decade ago. The pharmacy sector in India developed after the Government of India and the Pharmacy Council of India established Pharm D in 2008. As a result, the opportunities for Pharmacy students have grown to satisfy the ever-increasing need in the healthcare business.
For eligible students, pharmacy jobs include pharmacovigilance, clinical data management, medical writing, drug inspection, and more. Jamia Hamdard University, NIPER- Mohali, and other major Indian institutions provide Pharm D admission. Read more to learn about the options available to suitable applicants after completing a Pharm D degree.
What is Pharm D?
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) is a six-year professional doctoral degree recently approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). It is synonymous to PhD degree in pharmacy. The full Pharm D program consists of 5 years of classroom instruction and 1 year of internship/ resident training in pharmaceutics, clinical research, medicinal biochemistry, and other topics. Pharm D. offers various applications in India and internationally due to the many courses available.
Read More: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Eligibility Criteria for Pharm D
Eligibility for the Pharm D program involves certain criteria that students must meet to qualify for admission. Here are the details:
Educational Background
Candidates must have completed their 12th-grade education to be eligible for Pharm D.
The minimum requirement for this education level is a score of at least 60% in certain subjects, specifically PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).
Alternatively, candidates who have already completed a D Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy) qualification can apply for Pharm D.
Minimum Overall Score
In addition to the subject-specific score (60% in PCB/PCM), there is a minimum overall score requirement. A candidate's combined scores in all subjects should also exceed 60%. This ensures that candidates have a well-rounded educational background.
State-Level Variations
It's important to note that specific state-level Pharm D entrance exams may have slightly different eligibility criteria. Different states within India might have their regulations or requirements for Pharm D admission.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligibility criteria for a particular college or university, candidates should visit the official websites of the institutions offering the Pharm D program. These websites will provide detailed and specific information about the admission requirements for that particular educational institution.
Careers After Pharm D: Job Prospects
Candidates can choose a variety of Post Pharm D courses. Some of the attractive Pharmacy job opportunities for students are listed below:
Medical Writer
A medical writer is a professional who plays a crucial role in communicating scientific and medical information. They are responsible for crafting various documents, including research articles, promotional materials, web content for healthcare sites, journal publications, and news pieces centered around pharmaceuticals and medical conditions. Medical writers must stay well-informed about the latest developments in medicine and healthcare to produce accurate, up-to-date content. In terms of salary, a medical writer can expect to earn an annual income typically around INR 3,50,000 or higher, which often depends on their experience level and the complexity of the materials they work on.
Clinical Pharmacist
Clinical pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are directly involved in patient care. They are responsible for ensuring the proper and safe use of medications, which can lead to improved medication management, better healthcare outcomes, overall wellness, and the prevention of diseases. Clinical pharmacists need to be experts in the therapeutic use of medicines and work closely with patients to guide medication regimens. The annual income for clinical pharmacists can range from INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000, with variations based on their experience and the specific roles they undertake in healthcare settings.
Analytical Chemist
Analytical chemists specialize in various scientific disciplines, including bioanalysis, forensic science, environmental, clinical, and materials analysis. Their primary responsibility is to research and test different substances' chemical composition and behavior, which can be crucial in pharmaceutical research and quality control. They ensure that the products meet established standards and are safe for consumption. The annual salary for analytical chemists typically ranges from INR 2,50,000 to INR 5,00,000, depending on their experience and the specific focus of their work.
Drug Inspector
Drug inspectors safeguard public health by preventing drug counterfeiting and illegal duplication. They investigate whether illicit activities are occurring in chemist stores or pharmaceutical companies and ensure that necessary measures are in place to prevent the distribution of counterfeit or unsafe drugs. Their work is crucial because trading in illegal substances can pose significant consumer risks. The annual salary of a drug inspector can vary. Still, it typically falls between INR 3,50,000 to INR 6,00,000, contingent on their experience and the specific regulatory authority they work with.
Other Opportunities
The comprehensive six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) program equips students with a profound understanding of the pharmaceutical sector, enabling them to explore various career opportunities. Beyond the mentioned roles, Pharm D graduates can also consider positions in teaching and research in colleges and universities worldwide. They can work as research associates, teachers, lecturers, and more, contributing to future pharmacy professionals' education and development while advancing their careers in academia. These roles offer the chance to impact the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers, making a valuable contribution to the field.
Also Read: Top Pharmacy University in USA
Scope of Pharm D Aspirants
Several government agencies offer multiple avenues of jobs to Pharm D graduates. Find out the score of the Pharm D degree as mentioned below:
Government Hospitals
Pharm D graduates can find promising career prospects in government hospitals. In these healthcare institutions, they can work as clinical pharmacists, playing an essential role in patient care, and ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. Their expertise contributes to improved healthcare outcomes and patient well-being.
Pharmacovigilance
Pharmacovigilance is a crucial field in the pharmaceutical industry that focuses on monitoring and assessing the safety and efficacy of medications. Pharm D graduates can join pharmacovigilance teams in government organizations or pharmaceutical companies. Their responsibilities may include tracking and analyzing adverse drug reactions and ensuring patient medication safety.
Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
The Staff Selection Commission is a government body that recruits staff for various government departments and ministries. Pharm D graduates can explore job opportunities through SSC examinations, potentially securing positions in government healthcare agencies, research organizations, or regulatory bodies.
Government Colleges & Universities
Pharm D graduates may consider career options in government colleges and universities. They can work as research associates, teachers, lecturers, or faculty members in pharmacy and healthcare-related programs. This path allows them to impart their knowledge and expertise to future pharmacists and researchers.
Sports Authority of India
The Sports Authority of India is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Pharm D graduates interested in sports medicine and healthcare can seek employment with the Sports Authority of India. They may contribute to the medical and pharmaceutical aspects of sports and athlete well-being.
In summary, Pharm D aspirants have a broad scope in government agencies, with opportunities in government hospitals, pharmacovigilance, positions facilitated by the Staff Selection Commission, roles in government colleges and universities, and careers related to sports medicine within the Sports Authority of India.
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Talk to an ExpertFAQs Regarding Careers After Pharm D
What jobs are available after earning a Pharm D?
For eligible students, pharmacy jobs include pharma vigilance, clinical data management, medical underwriting, medication inspection, and more.
Who is eligible to apply for Pharm D?
Candidates must have received at least 60 percent overall in class 12 (PCB/ PCM) to be eligible for the Pharm D program. Some state-level Pharm D entrance exams may have different eligibility requirements.
Why has the number of pharmacy students grown?
The opportunities for Pharmacy students have grown to satisfy the ever-increasing need in the healthcare business.
What are some popular career options after completing Pharm D?
Some popular career options after PharmD are:
- Retail Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Analytical Chemist
- Drug Inspector
- Research Associates
- Medical Writer
What is the salary after PharmD?
PharmD specialists in India earn a salary ranging from INR 1,00,000 to Rs. 4,00,000.
Is PharmD equivalent to MBBS?
PharmD is not equivalent to MBBS because PharmD is a 5-6 year duration doctoral degree that candidates can pursue after completing a Bachelor's in Pharmacy. In comparison, MBBS can be pursued directly after completing class 12.
