Choosing the right career is one of the most important decisions of a student’s life. Hence, it is important to have all the facts in place before making the final decision. If you are considering a career in pharmacy then this is the right time to do so as the COVID-19 pandemic has provided the pharmaceutical industry a huge boost and there are a lot of career opportunities in pharmacy. However, like any other career, a career in pharmacy comes with its own perks and challenges.
Here are 7 things you need to know before choosing a career in pharmacy:
- Flexible Working Hours
Pharmacists in 24 hour pharmacies usually work in shifts. At the start of your career you may have to work on weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts based on the business’s requirements. As you gain experience and progress in your career, you can have more control over the hours you work. You can also choose to work for local medical clinics where timings are fixed.
- Increased Demand for Skilled Professionals
The pharmaceutical industry has faced a massive boom in recent years, creating a huge demand for qualified and skilled professionals. There are multiple job opportunities on a global front for skilled professionals who have studied from a top pharmacy college in Maharashtra, as these colleges focus on skill-based and industry-synced education.
- Variety of Career Opportunities
Professionals can choose from a variety of career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. Some of the best pharmacy colleges in Nashik offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in pharmacy. Undergraduate courses help students gain an overall understanding of the duties of a pharmacist for a successful career in hospitals, private clinics, and nursing homes. Postgraduate courses are perfect for students who wish to pursue research in the field and aid the formulation of life-saving drugs.
- Demand for Interpersonal Skills
Pharmacists have to deal with a variety of customers on a daily basis. These customers can be patients who are anxious about their wellbeing and so pharmacists need to possess interpersonal skills to help patients without losing their patience. Pharmacists must be able to professionally answer questions, clear any doubts, and deliver the required medication swiftly.
- No Scope for Mistakes
A pharmacist cannot make a mistake when reading out a prescription. In case they end up giving the wrong medication to patients, their actions can have life or death implications. Hence, pharmacists must always be careful when reading a prescription, they must be attentive, and if they have any doubts they must cross-check with the patient regarding the nature of their medical condition when attending to patients.
- Math & Chemistry are Important
Chemistry helps pharmacists mix compounds accurately and math helps them deliver the correct dose in the right amount depending on the needs of the patient. Each illness is different, so the dose of a particular medicine will vary for different patients depending on the severity of their symptoms. So if you wish to pursue a career in pharmacy then you need to opt for math and chemistry at the 10+2 level.
- Hands-on Job Requirements
Most pharmacists at the start of their careers spend a lot of time on their feet or on the move depending on their job profile. Checking inventory, helping patients out with prescriptions and interacting with patients requires pharmacists to be very hands-on in their day-to-day work. Hence, pharmacists cannot expect much down time on a daily basis at work.
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacist can be a highly rewarding profession as pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare industry. If you wish to launch a pharmacy of your own and become an entrepreneur then you can pursue a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science from a D Pharmacy college in Nashik. This undergraduate program can help you start your career on the right footing. Now that you know the important things to bear in mind before choosing a career in pharmacy, you can make the right decision about your future. Good luck!