How to Start a Career in Pharmacy after 12th?

Pharmacy is an essential field in healthcare, and it offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals who are passionate about medicine and its applications. If you have completed your 12th grade and are considering a career in pharmacy, this portion will provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you embark on this exciting journey.

Understanding the Various Roles in Pharmacy

Before you dive into the world of pharmacy, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the diverse roles available in this field. Some of the popular career options include:

• Community Pharmacist: They work in retail pharmacies, providing medication to patients and offering healthcare advice.

• Hospital Pharmacist: They are responsible for managing drug therapy in hospitals and ensuring patient safety.

• Clinical Pharmacist: They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care through medication management.

• Research Pharmacist: They are involved in drug discovery, development, and clinical trials.

Pursuing the Right Education

To become a pharmacist, you must pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree, which typically takes four years to complete. To be eligible for admission, you need to have completed your 12th grade with a strong background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Some popular entrance exams for B.Pharm in India include JEE Main, HP-TU Pharmacy Test, and KIIT-TEAM.

• Pharm D: Doctor of Pharmacy is the full form of Pharm D. The six-year Pharm D programme leads to a professional degree in pharmacy that is comparable to a doctorate. Pharm D students receive training to become knowledgeable pharmaceutical specialists who can treat patients in a variety of healthcare environments. The Pharm D programme also incorporates experiential learning components, including as clerkships and internships, where students work with licenced pharmacists to get practical experience in a variety of pharmaceutical settings. Candidates must have completed Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 in the Science stream with a minimum of 50% overall to be eligible for the Pharm D programme. The majority of Pharm D admissions are determined by entrance exams, while some universities also take Class 12 results. Popular entrance exam scores like TS EAMCET, AP EAMCET, GPAT, AP PGECET, KCET, and NEET are accepted by universities that provide a Pharm D education. For the Doctor of Pharmacy, the typical Pharm D course costs fall between INR 2.3 Lakh and INR 9.6 Lakh. SRIHER, Andhra University, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Parul University, and other well-known universities are among those that provide Pharm D programmes.

Pharmacists can find employment in a variety of places after completing the Pharm D programme and passing licensing tests, such as community pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, government agencies, and the pharmaceutical business. Graduates of the Pharm D programme might work as clinical pharmacists, hospital pharmacy directors, hospital staff pharmacists, retail pharmacists, drug experts, or pharmacists, among other roles. A graduate of a Pharm D programme typically makes between INR 2.30 LPA and INR 10 LPA.

• BPharm: The Bachelor of Pharmacy, or B Pharmacy, is a four-year undergraduate programme with a concentration in pharmaceutical sciences. The pharmaceutical sciences, drug discovery, drug delivery systems, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and clinical pharmacy are the main areas of study for a B.Pharmacy degree programme. Both academic understanding and hands-on training in various facets of pharmacy practice are typically included in the curriculum for B.Pharmacy courses. The standard eligibility requirements for the four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) programme are that candidates must have passed the 10+2 board exams with at least 50% of their marks in the required disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Merit-based admissions to B Pharmacy programmes are determined by entrance tests like GPAT, DSAT, BITSAT, and NEET. Registrations for the most popular entrance exam, NEET, opened on February 9th, 2024. The typical pay for a B. Pharmacy student is between INR 4 and 6 LPA, however with more experience, this can increase to between INR 10 and 15 LPA. See also: A Career in Pharmacy.

Gaining Practical Experience

During your B.Pharm program, you will gain hands-on experience through internships in pharmacy settings. These internships are crucial in helping you understand the practical aspects of pharmacy and develop essential skills required for the profession.

on. It offers a plethora of opportunities for those who are passionate about healthcare and medicines. Gaining practical experience in pharmacy is crucial to build a strong foundation and excel in this field.

• Enhances Knowledge and Skills: Practical experience in pharmacy enables students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. This hands-on approach helps them understand the intricacies of the profession and develop essential skills, such as drug formulation, dispensing, and patient counseling.

• Improves Problem-Solving Abilities: Pharmacy is a dynamic field where problems can arise unexpectedly. Practical experience equips students with the ability to think critically, analyze situations, and find effective solutions to problems that may arise in their professional lives.

• Boosts Confidence: Gaining practical experience in pharmacy allows students to become more confident in their abilities as they learn to handle various tasks and responsibilities. This confidence is vital for their growth as professionals and helps them perform better in their careers.

• Enhances Employability: Employers prefer candidates who have practical experience in pharmacy. It demonstrates that the individual has a solid understanding of the profession and can contribute positively to the organization.

Ways to Gain Practical Experience in Pharmacy

• Internships: Internships offer an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience in pharmacy. They can apply for internships in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, or research institutions. Internships provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to various aspects of pharmacy practice.

• Volunteering: Volunteering in pharmacies or healthcare organizations can help students gain practical experience and develop essential skills. Volunteering allows them to work alongside professionals, observe their work, and learn from their experiences.

• Online Courses and Workshops: Enrolling in online courses or attending workshops related to pharmacy can help students gain practical knowledge and skills. These courses often include interactive sessions, simulations, and case studies that provide a realistic understanding of pharmacy practices.

• Job Shadowing: Job shadowing involves observing and learning from professionals in the pharmacy field. This can be done by reaching out to pharmacists or other healthcare professionals and requesting to shadow them for a day or more. This experience offers valuable insights into the daily routines and responsibilities of pharmacy professionals.

• Participation in Pharmacy-Related Clubs and Organizations: Joining pharmacy-related clubs or organizations in schools or communities can help students gain practical experience by participating in activities, events, and workshops. These clubs often collaborate with healthcare institutions, providing members with opportunities to interact with professionals and gain practical knowledge.

• Research Projects: Participating in research projects related to pharmacy can help students gain practical experience in various aspects of drug development, clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance. This hands-on experience can be valuable for understanding the scientific and practical aspects of pharmacy.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network is crucial for gaining practical experience in pharmacy. Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops can help students connect with professionals in the field, learn about new developments, and explore potential opportunities for internships, volunteering, or job shadowing.

Gaining practical experience in pharmacy after completing the 12th grade is essential for students who wish to build a successful career in this field. By engaging in internships, volunteering, online courses, job shadowing, participating in clubs, research projects, and networking, students can enhance their knowledge, skills, and employability. Practical experience lays the foundation for a rewarding career in pharmacy, allowing individuals to contribute positively to the healthcare industry and make a difference in people's lives.

Preparing for Registration and Licensure

After completing the 12th grade, students can pursue a career in pharmacy by enrolling in a Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) program, which is a two-year course. This course provides a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and pharmaceutics. Upon successful completion of this diploma, students can work as pharmacists in various settings, such as hospitals, community pharmacies, and research institutions. After completing your B.Pharm degree, you must register with the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and clear the Pharmacy Graduate Test (PGT) to obtain a license to practice pharmacy. This is a mandatory requirement for all pharmacists in India.

• Entrance Examination: After completing the D. Pharm program, students must appear for an entrance examination conducted by the PCI or any state pharmacy council. This examination assesses the candidate's knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences and general aptitude.

• Admission to a Bachelor's Degree Program: Upon qualifying the entrance examination, students are admitted to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) degree program, which is a four-year course. This program covers advanced topics in pharmacy, including drug design, pharmacokinetics, and drug delivery systems.

• Internship: During the final year of the B. Pharm program, students undergo a mandatory six-month internship in a hospital or community pharmacy. This internship provides hands-on experience in various aspects of pharmacy practice, such as dispensing medications, counseling patients, and managing pharmacy operations.

• Registration and Licensure: After successful completion of the B. Pharm degree and internship, students must register with the PCI and obtain a pharmacy license. This license allows them to practice as a pharmacist in India.

As a pharmacist, it is essential to maintain high professional standards to ensure patient safety and promote public health. Some key aspects of professionalism in pharmacy include:

• Continuous Learning: Pharmacists must stay updated with the latest developments in pharmaceutical sciences, drug therapies, and healthcare policies. This can be achieved through attending conferences, workshops, and webinars, as well as reading professional journals and online resources.

• Patient-Centered Care: Pharmacists should prioritize patient care by providing accurate medication advice, addressing patients' concerns, and ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. This includes maintaining open communication, fostering trust, and respecting patients' privacy and autonomy.

• Ethical Practices: Pharmacists must adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics, which include maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and promoting evidence-based practices. They should also refrain from engaging in unlawful or unethical activities, such as dispensing medications without proper prescriptions or promoting off-label drug use.

• Quality Assurance: Pharmacists are responsible for maintaining the quality and safety of medications and healthcare services. This involves regularly reviewing and updating standard operating procedures, monitoring medication storage and handling conditions, and participating in quality improvement initiatives.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Pharmacists should work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacy technicians, to ensure seamless patient care. This includes sharing relevant patient information, coordinating treatment plans, and addressing any medication-related issues that may arise.

A career in pharmacy offers numerous opportunities for individuals passionate about pharmaceutical sciences and patient care. To pursue this career path, students must complete a D. Pharm program, followed by a B. Pharm degree, and obtain registration and licensure from the PCI. Adhering to professional standards is crucial for pharmacists to provide high-quality, safe, and effective care to patients while contributing to public health and the overall growth of the pharmacy profession.

Pursuing Higher Education and Specialization

If you wish to specialize in a specific area of pharmacy or pursue a higher degree, you can opt for a Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacy. These advanced degrees can open doors to research and teaching opportunities, as well as higher-paying jobs in the industry. Pharmacy offers a wide range of specializations that cater to different interests and career goals. Some popular specializations include:

• Clinical Pharmacy: This specialization focuses on the therapeutic use of medications and their effects on patients. Clinical pharmacists work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe and effective use of medications.

• Industrial Pharmacy: Industrial pharmacists are involved in drug development, manufacturing, and quality control. They play a crucial role in ensuring that pharmaceutical products are safe, effective, and meet regulatory standards.

• Community Pharmacy: Community pharmacists work in retail pharmacies, providing medication advice and counseling to patients. They also play a vital role in promoting public health through vaccination programs and disease prevention initiatives.

• Hospital Pharmacy: Hospital pharmacists are responsible for managing medication therapy in hospitals, ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and doses. They collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize patient care and prevent medication errors.

• Research and Academics: Students interested in research and academics can pursue a career in pharmacy education or conduct research in various areas such as drug discovery, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics. This path allows them to contribute to the advancement of the field and train future generations of pharmacy professionals.

A career in pharmacy offers a diverse range of roles and responsibilities, competitive salaries, and job security. With the right education and dedication, individuals can embark on a fulfilling journey in this essential healthcare profession, making a difference in the lives of countless patients while continually advancing their knowledge and skills.