Pharmacy Course after 12th – A Complete Guide

Pharmacists are professionals who use their medical knowledge, to improve wellness among people in general and promote healthcare in particular, they ensure with their knowledge that whether a drug is safe to use, preparing prescriptions, working in a pharmacy, checking the dose, and so much more. And to be a pharmacist, a student must take admitted to one of the many pharmacy courses available in India. Pharmacy courses have become very popular these days, among science students, because of the wide range of career possibilities it provides, and the salary each branch provides.

Studying pharmacy has become even more popular after the coronavirus came to the country, as there has been an increased need for medicine, interest in the invention of drugs, and proper treatment via medicine. However, to be a pharmacist, a student must know what courses to go for, the eligibility, what course will suit them the most, and all the other necessary information needed to study any of the pharmacy courses successfully. This article will aim at providing a guide so that the student gets the required knowledge for pursuing a course.

Courses available in Pharmacy after 12th

Now let’s look at all the available pharmacy courses after completing the 12th. There certainly will be more courses depending upon the institution but broadly, pharma courses that students can pursue right after their 12th range from the following:

1. 1. B. Pharm(Hons)—It has a larger volume, syllabus and much more intense selection of subjects which has been designed in such a way that students gain knowledge about not only the ways of the current industry but also towards finding ways of an improved pharmaceutical industry in the future. The course offers additional foundational courses, which provides them with an advantage while finding jobs or internships. This is 4 years. Biotechnology Research, Virology and Pathology Department, Medicine Lab Technology, Healthcare Centers, Pharmacology Manufacturing, Testing Labs, etc., are some of the fields that recruit people with a Pharm(Hons) degree.

Enroll for B Pharm Admission

2. 2. B. Pharm— It gives the student the required knowledge to practice pharmacy, and provides detailed knowledge about biochemistry in pharmacology. This course can employ prescription, manufacture and provision of medicines. The duration of the course is four years and people who have completed 10+2, with a minimum aggregate of 50% can opt for this course. Biotechnology, Medicine Technology, Pharmacology, etc. are the fields, which recruit people with a degree in B.Pharm. It is a four-year course.

3. 3. B.Pharm in Ayurveda—Ayurveda was born in India itself, 1000 years ago. This course is a 4-year course that enriches the students with knowledge about ayurvedic healing and ayurvedic medicine, which has been practised in India for over hundreds of years. The development in Ayurvedic medicines over the years has increased the need for B. Pharm in Ayurveda graduates over the years. Siddha Centers, Ayurveda Centers, Medicine Manufacturing, Therapy Centers, etc are the major centres recruiting graduates from B.Pharm in Ayurveda.

4. 4. Diploma in Pharmacy(D.Pharm) — It is 2 years and is divided into 4 semesters., and provides the students with a basic understanding of medicinal stuff, and pharmacy knowledge. The course prepares the students with the license to work under pharmacists in hospitals and other pharmaceutical companies. Graduates can also start working in stores or become entrepreneurs with a proper license. Pharma Stores, Logistics Management, Drug Testing, etc. are some areas which recruit D.Pharm graduates.

Some Specialization Courses Are Offered Under B.Pharm Degree

Mentioned below are some specialisation degrees that the students can opt for under B. Pharm. While each specialization may be interrelated, they contain different subjects focused on the major area of the course and provide students with an abundance of prospects owing to the ever-thriving medical line.

1. 1. Pharmaceutical Technology
2. 2. Drug Discovery and Development
3. 3. Pharmaceutical Marketing Management
4. 4. Phytopharmaceuticals and Natural Products
5. 5. Industrial Pharmacy
6. 6. Drug Regulatory Affairs
7. 7. Pharmacognosy
8. 8. Pharmaceutics
9. 9. Pharmacy Practice
10. 10. Biopharmaceutics
11. 11. Clinical Pharmacy
12. 12. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
13. 13. Pharmacology
14. 14. Medicinal Chemistry
15. 15. Pharmaceutical Analysis
16. 16. Quality Assurance

Eligibility Criteria for Courses

Students who have completed their 10+2, with a minimum aggregate of 50%, and with biology and chemistry as compulsory subjects can opt for the courses. The eligibility criteria remain almost the same for every college, with some extra prerequisites for the top colleges and universities. Apart from the 10+2 pass, people with a D.pharm certificate can apply for B.Pharm courses.

While some colleges take admission based on class 12’s marks, there are numerous colleges which take admission based on merit scored in admission tests. Admission tests like GPAT, TS TEAMCET, AP EAMCET, etc are all considered to be valid tests for taking admission to colleges which offer pharmacy courses. Apart from the mentioned exams provided by the state or the central governments, there are many colleges and universities which hold admission tests of their own.

Best Pharmacy Colleges in India

A good pharmacy college can assure a successful career to a great degree. Some of the top colleges are listed down below. Students should always look for accreditation and ranking by governmental bodies before fixating on a particular pharmacy college, as it is pertinent, especially in the medical field.

1. 1. Poona College of Pharmacy (Pune)
2. 2. Lloyd Institute of Management and Technology (pharm) Greater Noida
3. 3. Jamia Hamdard University (Delhi)
4. 4. Jadavpur University (Kolkata)
5. 5. JSS College of Pharmacy (Ooty)
6. 6. Andhra University
7. 7. Institute of Chemical Technology (Mumbai)
8. 8. Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
9. 9. AU College of pharmaceutical sciences
10. 10. Maharaja Sayajirao University (Baroda)
11. 11. PSG College of Pharmacy (Coimbatore)

Scope of Studying Pharmacy

There are many possibilities in studying pharmaceutical science. Following are some of them:

1. 1. Research and development— the development of new drugs, toxicology, formulation, and clinical testing, all require people with a B.Pharm degree.

2. 2. Analysis and testing— biotechnological products, surgical dressings, medical devices, equipment, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Unani medicines, and veterinary medicine are always in need of pharmacy graduates.

3. 3. Production and manufacturing— Drug manufacturing is the method through which pharmaceutical corporations create pharmaceutical medications on a large scale. The process of producing drugs may be split into a number of unit activities. The procedure may include milling, granulation, encapsulation, and tablet pressing.

4. 4. Regulatory bodies— One can work as a Drug Inspector, Assistant Drug Controller, Drug Controller of state, and D.C. I.

5. 5. Hospitals—Pharmacists are important in many well-known hospitals, as though the diagnosis is performed by the doctors, the medicines are prescribed by the pharmacists.

Conclusion

The pharmaceutical sector is a critical driver of international healthcare systems. It consists of both governmental and commercial entities that identify, develop, produce, and market medications. The pharmaceutical business is primarily centred on scientific research and the creation of medications used to prevent or treat illnesses and problems. Modern scientific and technical breakthroughs are hastening the development and distribution of novel medications with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and fewer adverse effects. Molecular biologists, medicinal chemists, and pharmacists all seek to improve the performance and precision of medications. This article will attempt to work as a guide for all the students who want to pursue pharmaceutical science after school, but do not have proper information about what course consists of, or what course will suit them the best. With proper dedication and hard work, the students will secure a bright future for themselves, as the pharmaceutical courses are very fulfilling.