A pharmacist is a healthcare professional trained and licensed to prepare, dispense, and advise patients on medications and other healthcare products. Pharmacists work in various settings such as community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Pharmacists ensure the safe and effective use of medications by reviewing prescriptions. They also monitor drug interactions and provide patient education on proper medication use and potential side effects. Pharmacists also work closely with other healthcare professionals to optimise patient care and outcomes.
Pharmacists in India are also involved in drug development and research, working in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to develop new drugs and improve existing ones. They play an important role in clinical trials, conducting studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and treatments.
Let's have a more detailed look at how to become a pharmacist:
How to Become a Pharmacist in India
1. Science stream in 10+2
You can take a combination of subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM).
2. Courses in Pharmacy
- Diploma in Pharmacy: A 2-year course you can pursue after your 10+2.
- Bachelor's in Pharmacy (B.Pharm): In this course, students study drugs and medicines, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medicinal Chemistry, etc.
- Doctor of Pharmacy: This is a six-year course that includes 5 years of clinical and community-based theoretical study and 1 year of internship at a hospital.
- Masters in Pharmacy (M.Pharm): After completing your bachelor's degree, you can pursue a master's degree in pharmacy for further specialisation. These specialisations can include pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and many more.
Career as a Pharmacist
A career in pharmacy can be quite rewarding and diverse. Some of the key aspects of a career as a pharmacist are listed below:
- Education and Training
Pharmacists typically hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited college or school of pharmacy, which typically takes four years to complete. In addition to their coursework, pharmacists are required to complete a period of supervised practical experience or a pharmacy residency programme to gain experience and hone their skills.
- Work Settings
Pharmacists work in different settings which include community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. Some pharmacists also work in research and development, government agencies, or academic institutions.
- Responsibilities
Pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications, counselling patients on proper medication use and potential side effects, monitoring drug interactions, and working closely with other healthcare professionals to optimise patient care and outcomes.
A Pharmacist's Salary In India
The salary of a pharmacist in India can vary depending on various factors such as the type of organisation they work for, their experience, and their qualifications. Salary can range from around INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Pharmacists working in hospitals or government organisations may earn higher salaries compared to those working in community pharmacies. Pharmacists with advanced degrees or certifications, such as a Pharm.D. or specialisation in a particular area of pharmacy practice, may also earn higher salaries.
It is important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on geographic location as well. For example, pharmacists working in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore may earn higher salaries compared to those working in smaller towns or rural areas. Qualified pharmacists can also find jobs in foreign countries with the right training and experience.
Summing Up
A career as a pharmacist is a diverse one. It allows you to work across a wide range of organisations. It also allows for significant advancement as you gain more experience. However, it is important to remember that the job of a pharmacist comes with a lot of responsibility. Pharmacists are valued members of the healthcare team and are committed to improving the health and well-being of their patients.
If you are wondering if a career as a pharmacist is right for you, WIZR offers many skill assessment tests that can help you understand your preparedness better. There are also a range of upskilling courses to choose from. You can speak to the experts at WIZR to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What qualifications are required to become a pharmacist in India?
To become a pharmacist in India, you need to have a minimum qualification of a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from a recognised institution.
2. How can one be successful as a pharmacist?
You can develop essential soft skills and technical knowledge to succeed as a pharmacist. This includes communication skills, attention to detail and patient-oriented focus.
3. Can a pharmacist have their own business?
Yes, pharmacists can own their own business, such as a pharmacy or drug store. However, owning a pharmacy requires a lot of hard work, dedication and financial investment.
4. Which course is best for a pharmacist?
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree is the minimum qualification required to become a pharmacist in India. However, several postgraduate courses are successfully available for pharmacists that can help them advance their careers and gain specialised knowledge in a particular area of pharmacy.
