A Complete Guide on How to Become a Pharmacist

Pharmacy is a versatile, dynamic and recession-proof career. It is a combination of science, healthcare, technology and research. So, if you wish to make your career in pharmacy – you’re at the right place. In this post, we will discuss the career path you need to follow to become a pharmacist. Before we tell you how to become a pharmacist in India, let us cover the basics.

What Does a Pharmacist Do?

A pharmacist specialises in medicine and is in charge of filling and distributing doctor’s prescriptions. They also assist patients in learning how to take their medications. These professionals are well-versed in the composition, uses, and side effects of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Scope of Pharmacy:

As the population increases, the consumption of medicines will also increase. The reason why a career in pharmacy will never go downhill. You will receive excellent knowledge, growth opportunity and lucrative pay when working in the industry as a pharmacist. The scope of pharmacy embraces global healthcare, which has given rise to clinical research, medicinal manufacturing, and marketing, all to improve or maintain a patient’s quality of life and provide drug information. Clearly, as the pharmaceutical industry grows, so do the career opportunities and prospects for higher education in the field.

How to Become a Pharmacist – A Step-By-Step Guide

Pharmacy education is the perfect balance of theory and practical. The education includes learning through concepts and industrial or hospital training. While you study the pharmaceutical concepts in a course, make sure you stay up-to-date with upcoming information regarding medicines. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a pharmacist in India:

Step 1: Complete 10+2 in Science Stream

To enrol in a pharmacy undergraduate program, you typically need to complete your higher secondary or 10+2 in the science stream. You can choose from a combination of different science subjects like physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics to meet the application requirement of most undergraduate programs.

Step 2: Study Undergraduate Programme in Pharmacy

In order to achieve an undergraduate degree in pharmacy, you can pursue any of the below-stated programmes: Bachelor’s in Pharmacy: For those who aspire to embark on their career by working in top pharmaceutical companies, studying Bachelor’s in Pharmacy is a great option. The Bachelor’s in Pharmacy is a 4-year undergraduate course that offers students with conceptual and practical training in the pharmaceutical sector. Diploma in Pharmacy: If you want to open your pharmacy or drug store, you should at least get your diploma in pharmacy. This is a 2-year course that you can pursue after completing your 10+2 class. Students with a diploma in pharmacy can get direct entry to the second year of the B. Pharma course. Doctor of Pharmacy: After finishing your 10+2, you can enrol for a 6-year PharmD programme. The programme consists of five years of medical and community-based theoretical study and one year of hospital internship. Students pursuing the BPharm programme may also apply for lateral entry into the fourth year of the PharmD programme based on merit.

Step 3: Pursue a Post-Graduate Degree

After completing your undergraduate in pharmacy, you can earn your postgraduate in pharmacy. Here are some postgraduate courses to consider: Master in Pharmacy: Students who have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy can study Master in Pharmacy. A master’s in pharmacy is a 2-year programme that will give you an edge if you wish to work in the research and development field. While pursuing this course, you have an option to specialize in different topics in Pharmacy. Doctor of Pharmacy (Post-Baccalaureate): This course will help you improve your professional aptitude and career prospects in clinical research and practice. B. Pharm course is the minimum eligibility to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (Post-Baccalaureate). This is a 3-year course with the first 2-years of academic training and 1-year of internship.

Step 4: Earn a PhD in Pharmacy

Pharmacy students willing to grow their careers in the research field, a PhD in Pharmacy will be highly beneficial for them. A PhD in Pharmacy is an optional course, so you can either opt for it or choose not to, depending on your interest and circumstances. A master’s degree in pharmacy is required to earn your PhD in Pharmacy. And by pursuing these steps, you can become a pharmacist. Pharmacy education will require a lot of your dedication, hard work and self-motivation to develop a fulfilling career – but it’s definitely worth it! Make your thriving pharmacy career by studying at Marwadi University. An institute that’s NAAC A+ accredited, uses a hands-on learning approach, has advanced research facilities, modern labs, and an excellent placement record.