If you are interested in a career in the medical field and are currently a PCB student, then there are many pharmacy courses after 12th that you can opt for. An undergraduate program in pharmacy can open up diverse and lucrative career opportunities. You can consider pursuing a Diploma in Pharmacy or, depending on your career goals and interests. Let’s find out what these programs entail so that you can decide which one is the right option for you.
About the Program
Diploma in Pharmacy
This is an entry-level undergraduate pharmacy program that is usually two years long. This program helps students gain insights about various concepts of pharmaceutical science, and gain the necessary skills to kick start their career in the industry.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
This program is an undergraduate pharmacy degree that is generally spread across four years and eight semesters. The program is designed to teach students industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on skills to become valued professionals in the pharmacy sector. Some of the best pharmacy colleges in Nashik offer this program to interested students.
Eligibility
Diploma in Pharmacy
Students who have cleared 10+2 from a recognised board with 45% aggregate marks in Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects along with Mathematics and Biology as optional subjects are eligible for this program. Some colleges also have independent entrance exams for pharmacy courses.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Candidates who have cleared 10+2 from a recognised board with 45% aggregate marks in Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects, and Mathematics and Biology as optional subjects can apply for this program. Students who have completed a Diploma in Pharmacy can also opt for this program and gain direct second year admission into Bachelor of Pharmacy.
Subjects
Diploma in Pharmacy
Students pursuing Diploma in Pharmacy will learn Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceuticals, Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, among other subjects. They will also gain hands-on skills through thorough lab work.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Students pursuing Bachelor of Pharmacy will study Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dispensary and Community Pharmacy, Common Diseases, Chemistry of Natural Products, Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Interactions, Biopharmaceuticals, and Medicinal Pharmacy, among other topics. Students are also trained through intense project work and hands-on practical sessions in well-equipped labs.
Career Opportunities
Diploma in Pharmacy
Professionals holding this qualification can be hired as pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, and independent pharmacies. They can also open up a pharmacy of their own and sell drugs to patients based on prescription. This is the perfect degree if you want to be an independent entrepreneur who wants to go into business rather than working a full-time job.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
After completing this program, professionals can be hired as Drug Technician, Pharmacist, Drug Inspector, Health Inspector, Research Officer, or Lecturer. They have a multitude of job opportunities open to them and they can work in private and government hospitals, clinics, healthcare centres, and in pharmaceutical companies that research and manufacture drugs. Some of the top pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra offer internship opportunities and placement assistance to help students gain the right start to their career.
Average Salary
Pharmacists holding an undergraduate pharmaceutical science diploma or degree can earn an average salary of 2 lacs per annum, depending on the sector of employment. Their qualification, skills, and industry-synced training will determine the salary they earn. Gradually, with more experience and enhanced skills, these professionals can earn annual salaries over 4 lacs.
Higher Education
If you want to enhance your chances of earning a higher salary at the start of your career, then you must consider pursuing a Master of Pharmacy degree. This program can help you learn concepts in depth and learn skills to make yourself a more valued part of the industry. Professionals holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree are preferred for this course. After this program you can also choose to pursue a PhD in Pharmacy to gain coveted research opportunities in the field. Many pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra offer cutting-edge postgraduate and PhD programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Conclusion
The pharmaceutical industry is growing every day and there is a lot of scope for well-trained and qualified professionals in the field. There are many pharmacy courses in Nashik that you can opt for if you want to make a bright career for yourself in the field. Make sure that the college you choose has a well-equipped lab for practical skill building lab work. Good luck!