Doctor of pharmacy, or Pharm.D, is a six-year program for students pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmacy. Candidates will have five years of academic study and one year of internship during the program.
Students must complete 10+2 from a recognized institution and qualify for a Pharma D from a Pharm.D college recognized by PCI to be eligible for the course Pharm.D. (Pharmacy Council of India). Admission to the Pharm.D program is based on a merit list or an entrance examination. BV CET, MET, GPAT, and other popular entry exams are examples.
The average PharmD price ranges between INR 6,00,000 lakhs and INR 20,00,000. Pharmacists, drug specialists, retail pharmacists, hospital pharmacy directors, and other professionals employ PharmD graduates when they complete their studies.
What is a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Degree – Overview
Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a pharmacy degree program approved by the Indian government in 2008, with the Pharmacy Council of India serving as the regulating body. This course was created to prepare pharmacists to be valuable healthcare team members regarding patient care. Pharm.D. is a 6-year curriculum in which the first five years are spent studying, and the sixth year is spent doing an internship in a hospital. Pharm.D. (Post Baccalaureate) is a three-year curriculum that consists of two years of study and one year of hospital internship.
In a country like India, where numerous drug-related issues, irrational medication usage, and non-compliance with therapy among patients suffering from chronic conditions, a Pharm D course is desperately needed. The best way to achieve better patient care is for a physician to provide pharmaceutical treatment in conjunction with the technical skills of a clinical pharmacist.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Course Objectives
After completing this program, you will be able to:
- Discuss the ethical and legal issues related to pharmacy practice.
- Discuss the principles, practices, and responsibilities of pharmacy practice within a community setting.
- Explain how pharmacy services are provided in pharmacies.
- Describe the scope of practice for pharmacists.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of an intern pharmacist.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D): Course Highlights
The duration, eligibility, admission process, colleges, top recruiters, job profiles, fees, and salary are all highlights of the course:
| Full-Form | Doctor of Pharmacy |
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Course Duration | 6 Years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with a science stream and a minimum of 50% marks |
| Course Fee | INR 6,00,000 – INR 20,00,000 |
| Examination Type | Semester wise |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam |
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Course Duration
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) course duration is 6 years. During the first three years, you will study basic sciences (pharmacology, biochemistry, and biology); in the last three years, you will specialize in your chosen area.
Various courses will also teach how to apply knowledge to patient care. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for a career in medicine, pharmacy, or both. It’s also possible to pursue other careers, including research and teaching.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Course Eligibility Criteria
Apply for a Pharm D course following the below criteria:
- Obtain a minimum of 60 percent in 10+2 from a recognized board.
- Reserved groups, such as SC/ST/OBC, are eligible for up to 5% mark relaxation.
- Candidates who have finished their D.Pharm course with a grade point average of 40 percent or higher are also eligible to pursue the Pharm.D program.
- PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) as subjects are preferred in the science stream.
- Other colleges or universities have various eligibility conditions as a common entrance test for admission.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Admission Process
The entrance examination is the primary method of Pharm.D admission to the best universities. Each year, the admissions procedure takes place between May and June. However, the entrance exam has been postponed due to the second wave of the cold 19 epidemic. On the other hand, the entrance examination dates are expected to be announced soon.
- In the event of admission, however, the candidates must take the following actions.
- The registration form will be available on the different institutions’ or universities’ official websites.
- Candidates must first register and fill out the necessary application information. The hopefuls must then complete their admissions form and upload all required documents.
- Students must pay the registration/application fee online before the deadline and print a receipt for their records.
- Candidates must get an admission card and take the entrance exam.
- For the final selection, some universities perform counseling or GD/PI.
- Candidates must pay the entrance fee and confirm their seats when selected.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Course Fees
The cost of a Pharm D program varies per college or school. Pharm D fees typically range between INR 6,00,000 and INR 20,00,000 in India (annually).
Each Pharm D college/university provides a stipend to candidates who fall into one of the reserved category groups or quotas. Reserved category students may be eligible for assistance in Pharm D course fees from some reputable colleges.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D): Subject & Syllabus
The Pharm.D. syllabus is divided into semesters. The syllabus is divided into five academic years, with two semesters each year.
PharmD Subjects:
| SEMESTER 1 | SEMESTER 2 |
| Pharmaceutics | Pharmaceutical organic chemistry |
| Human anatomy & physiology | Pharmaceutical inorganic chemistry |
| Medical biochemistry | Remedial mathematics/biology |
| SEMESTER 3 | SEMESTER 4 |
| Pharmaceutical microbiology | Community pharmacy |
| Pathophysiology | Pharmacology 1 |
| Pharmacognosy & Phytopharmaceuticals | Pharmacotherapeutics 1 |
| SEMESTER 5 | SEMESTER 6 |
| Pharmaceutical Analysis | Medical chemistry |
| Pharmacology 2 | Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence |
| Pharmacotherapeutics 2 | Pharmaceutical formulations |
| SEMESTER 7 | SEMESTER 8 |
| Hospital pharmacy | Clinical toxicology |
| Clinical pharmacy | Biostatistics & research methodology |
| Pharmacotherapeutics 3 | Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics |
| SEMESTER 9 | SEMESTER 10 |
| Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomic | Clerkship project work (6 months) |
| Clinical research | Project work (6 months) |
| Clinical Pharmacokinetics & pharmacotherapeutic drug monitoring | Year 6 |
| – | Internship or residency training which includes posting in special units |
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D): Specialization
In India, there are a number of popular Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) specializations. The most popular Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) specializations are shown below:
- Pharmacology
- Medicine in general
- Technology in Medical Laboratories
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
- Microbiology
- Surgery in general
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Future Scope in India
After completing a PharmD, numerous academic and employment options are available. You can follow your path if you want to:
- If you have completed your PharmD, you can continue your education with a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or the second year of B.Pharma.
- You can get work in private and government hospital pharmacies. You can work at health clinics, NGOs, and other organizations by inspecting and advising on the delivery of medications.
- You can start your retail or wholesale pharmacy and become an entrepreneur.
- Health centers, drug control administration, and medical dispensing stores are the leading recruitment sectors for Pharm.D.
Career or Jobs Opportunities after Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Degree
Students with a PharmD degree have access to various healthcare and pharmaceutical industries options, including research and development, quality assurance and improvement, and technological breakthroughs. The following are some of the most popular PharmD career profiles and companies:
| Job Profiles | Average Salary |
| Research Scientist | Rs. 6 Lakh and above |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | Rs. 9.60 Lakh and above |
| Quality Assurance Manager | Rs. 10 Lakh and above |
| Medical Writer | Rs. 3 Lakh and above |
| Clinical Pharmacist | Rs. 3.40 Lakh and above |
| Pharmacist | Rs. 2.30 Lakh and above |
| Pharmacy Manager | Rs. 4.90 Lakh and above |
| Pharmacy Technician | Rs. 3 Lakh and above |
How to Choose the Top Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) College in India?
In India, both government and private colleges offer Pharm D programs. A written entrance examination and a personal interview are required for admission to the Pharm D program. Students can apply to any institution that offers their chosen course, but they must take the college’s entrance exam first. The Entrance Test result card will determine the final merit list for admission to the Pharm D program. Before choosing a Pharm D program, here are five things to consider:
- Affiliation with a university
- Pharm D curriculum and syllabus
- The fee of a pharmacy degree
- College professors
- Career options after Pharm D
Benefits of Pursuing Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Course
The PharmD program provides its own benefits but also gives you an advantage in the job market. PharmD degrees are in high demand.
- Community involvement: Pharmacists play a vital role in the community by contributing to the health and well-being of patients and residents. They also catered to minorities.
- There are numerous career options: This field offers many job opportunities. Pharmacists can work in various settings, including businesses, nursing homes, hospitals, colleges, and the medical field.
- Growth: The pharmacy industry is growing at a breakneck pace. According to a survey by IBEF, India’s pharmacy industry is anticipated to rise to USD 65 billion by 2024 and quadruple to USD 130 billion by 2030. As a result, new job opportunities are created.
- Flexibility: Work hours are flexible, which helps to balance work and personal life. There are day, night, seven-on-seven-off shifts, and so on. You can work one of the most convenient shifts.
- Autonomy: Work provides autonomy because you can choose your workplace and working hours. You can work for someone else or create your own company.
Required Skills for Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Course
Individuals interested in registering for a Pharm D course should have various specific skills to understand their ideas and get the most out of their learning experience. These abilities are also required for a thriving pharmacy job and high performance. Participants can improve their skills and knowledge while pursuing a Pharm D degree.
Below is a list of the essential Pharm D abilities.
- Interpersonal and communication abilities
- Skills in medical and scientific research
- Aptitudes for curiosity and persuasion
- Wise knowledge and a sharp memory
- Counseling and therapeutic skills
- Ethics and medical writing
- Skills for perseverance and consistency
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Salary in India
Pharmacists, drug experts, retail pharmacists, hospital pharmacy directors, hospital staff pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, and more professions are available after earning a PharmD. The various career paths are discussed below, along with the functions they play and the average annual compensation they earn.
The average salary for a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) is around 2 LPA-10 LPA, depending on the experience, qualifications, and job role. The salary structure varies from state to state and is determined by the government. It can be a fixed amount or a percentage based on the medical college and your practice location.
Key Takeaway
If you’re interested in a healthcare career, the Pharm.D course is for you! The perfect combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge will give you an edge as a pharmacist.
The course covers all the aspects of pharmacy, including administration, dispensing and distributing prescription drugs, professional ethics and practice, and the law. The Pharm D program at Krupanidhi Group of Institutes is a wonderful alternative for students looking for a pharmacy education with authorized courses. In this 6 year’s doctorate program, instructors guide students through this course to ensure that they are prepared for various facets of pharmacy work.
Many students select institutions based on factors that are both weak and insufficient. There are hundreds of pharmacy colleges in India, but not all provide the necessary facilities and teachers to deliver quality education. When you enroll in a Pharma D program at the Krupanidhi Group of Institutes, you get more than you expected.
For further information, go to www.krupanidhi.edu.in, and to submit any questions or requests by email, fill out the online form.