Pharm D: Course, Colleges, Subjects, Admission, Jobs and Scope

What are the best colleges for a Pharm D in India?

Despite being started in 2008, Pharm D has become a popular course among pharmacy students. More than 200 colleges in India offer Pharm D courses. You can check some of the top Pharm D colleges in the following table.

Does BITs offer Pharm D?

No, BITs does not offer Pharm D courses across any of its campuses. The campuses have well-established pharmacy departments that offer courses like B Pharma, M Pharma and PhD. BITs is known for its pharmacy courses and constantly ranks among the top pharmacy colleges in India. If you are interested in Pharm D, you will have to look at other colleges offering this degree.

Which is better, MBBS or Pharm D?

MBBS and Pharm D are different courses and choosing between them will depend on your career goals. MBBS will train you to become a doctor and treat patients. There is a broad range of subjects that you have to study. You can also specialise in specific fields of medicine. If you are interested in patient care and are willing to undergo a rigorous curriculum, you should go with MBBS.

In contrast, Pharm D is a professional degree that will provide you with a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences. You will learn about drug management, clinical pharmacy, pharmacology and more. You will work with healthcare professionals to ensure the safe administration of medicines. You can also explore roles in drug development and research.

Which is better, Pharm D or B Pharmacy?

Pharm D and B Pharmacy are two different courses in the field of pharmacy. Pharm D is a professional course which is clinically oriented. The course is 6 years long in which you will learn about topics like drug manufacturing, clinical pharmacy and more. Extensive emphasis is given to practical learning. You will work in clinical settings where you will manage drugs, administer medicine for patient care and more.

On the other hand, B Pharmacy is a bachelor’s degree. In the 4-year program, you will learn about production, formulation, regulatory affairs and more. After completing the degree, you can explore roles in the pharmaceutical industry and research. If you are interested in industrial or technical roles, you should opt for B Pharmacy.

Is going for an MBA after Pharm D a good option?

Yes, pursuing an MBA after Pharm D can be a good choice. If you are looking to broaden your knowledge beyond clinical pharmacy and are interested in managerial roles, you should opt for it. An MBA will provide you with the management and administrative skills that can be helpful in pharmaceutical management roles, healthcare administration, marketing and regulatory affairs. You can also explore higher roles with this combination and good pay.

Which is better, Pharm D (Regular) or Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate)?

Pharm D is a professional degree program that will prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical industry and its related fields. Pharm D courses are of two types which are as follows.

• Pharm D (Baccalaureate) - It is the regular Pharm D course. It is 6-year long and focuses on training students to become successful pharmacists. You are required to complete 5 years of academic study and a mandatory 1-year internship or residency training. If you have cleared class 12 and wish to pursue Pharm D, you should opt for the regular baccalaureate mode.

• Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate) - The post baccalaureate course in Pharm D is designed for B Pharma students who wish to pursue a Pharm D course. They are given lateral entry to the 4th year of the Pharm D program. They have to complete 3 years of academic study along with a mandatory 1-year internship or residency training. If you have a B Pharm degree and are looking to pursue Pharm D, you should go with Pharm D Post Baccalaureate.

What are the advantages of a Post Baccalaureate Pharm D?

There are many advantages that a Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate) offers over the regular course. It is shorter in duration than the regular program. If you have a B Pharma degree, you can complete it in 3 years. This will allow you to earn a professional degree faster and build upon the knowledge gained during the B Pharma. You will develop expertise in clinical pharmacy and patient care allowing you to explore roles in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

What can be the scope of Pharm D in India?

Because of the exponential growth of the pharmaceutical sector, Pharm D has an excellent scope in India. The market is expected to grow from $42 billion in 2021 to $130 billion by 2030, clearly indicating the demand for skilled pharmacy professionals. India is also the largest producer of generic medicines, 20% by volume, further showing the role of industry. 60% of the world’s vaccines are also supplied by India.

Moreover, the pharmaceutical export revenue was $25.3 billion in 2022-23 with the domestic market turnover being $41 billion as reported by Pharmexcil and Economic Survey 2023. Pharm D will enable you to explore various roles and ensure efficient drug development and production. You can explore opportunities in sectors like hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical industries and more. Due to the rapid increase in the demand for skilled professionals, the demand for Pharm D graduates is expected to expand. You can also find roles in regulatory affairs, clinical research and academia.

What is Pharm D salary in India?

The average salary of a Pharm D graduate in India is INR 3 LPA. The initial salary can be low but with experience and added skills you can earn up to INR 5 LPA. The average monthly salary ranges between INR 21,498 to INR 23,139.

What are the chances in India for a Pharm D student?

There are many opportunities for Pharm D graduates in India. You can explore options in both, the government and private sectors. The following table mentions some of the top job profiles that you can consider as a Pharm D graduate.

Is a Pharm D doctor eligible to run a private clinic?

No, Pharm D graduates cannot open a private clinic in India as per the Pharmacy Act. You can work closely with healthcare professionals and offer services like drug administration, patient counselling, medication management and more. You can work as a clinical pharmacist or in other roles in the healthcare industry. Opening clinics, diagnosing diseases and prescribing medicine are only allowed to medical doctors.

What can I study after Pharm D?

There are various courses that you can pursue after Pharm D. This will allow you to further enhance your knowledge and skills and specialise in specific areas improving your career prospects. Some of the top courses are listed below.

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• MS Pharmacy.
• Master of Public Health (MPH).
• MBA.
• Pharmacy Residencies (PGY1 and PGY2).
• Board of Pharmacy Specialities (BPS) Certification.
• Clinical Certifications like CPE, CGP, CDE and more.