CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHARMACY

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHARMACY

Pharmacy as a career choice is fast emerging among the youth of today due to the opening up of the Indian economy and growing buoyancy of the pharmaceutical sector in the country. The increasing impetus being given to research both by the government and the industry is opening new opportunities for professionals in the field. A lot of interest is there in the profession as drug and pharmaceutical companies and research centres alike are taking candidates with qualifications for their various projects and assignments.

Educational Qualifications

The easiest way to enter the profession is through pursuing a diploma course in pharmacy conducted by various state level government polytechnics institutions. Duration of the course is 2 years and the minimum admission qualifications are a Pass in 10+2 examination (Academic stream) in Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics) or any other examination approved by pharmacy council of India or equivalent to the above said examination.

Areas of Training

Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical jurisprudence, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy, Bio-Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, human Anatomy - and Physiology, Health Education and Community Pharmacy, Drug Store and Business Management are the fields of training generally imparted in the diploma course.

Continuing Education

Students can opt for higher education such as B Pharm, M Pharm and Ph D after pursuing a course of diploma in pharmacy. Alternatively these courses can be pursued after completing the graduation in the areas of physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Job Opportunities

One can join as a Hospital Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Community pharmacist, or Family pharmacist. Employment opportunities also exist in medical stores retail chemists, whole sale dealers & manufacturing chemists for cosmetics, One can begin as an enterprenurer for repacking of drugs & chemicals, as also as sales or medical representatives. Analysts in chemical / drug analysis laboratories are also in demand and pharmacy graduates get good offers in the field. Technicians in biochemistry & pathology lab, Pharmacist in banks & financial institutions, Railways, agencies & in defense forces etc are opportunities in the Government sector which offer stable career and life style.

Compensation

Now a days, the minimum starting pay for a fresh pharmacist is in the range of Rs. 6000/- to 8000/- The compensation package also depends upon the sector you join. A career in a large MNC would give you much better returns and conducive work culture. One can also join in various government laboratories or hospitals which offer decent pay packets and stable life style. Rise in emoluments depends upon qualification and experience. It is always advisable to start the career and then keep on adding additional qualifications to further enhance the job prospects and career growth. It is not uncommon to find people drawing excellent salaries and perks after obtaining the right qualifications and experience.