The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm),
4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)
and Ph.d programmes. Admission to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), requires
a pass in10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
or Biology. Candidates who posses 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
(PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, Maths
& Biology are admitted to the 4-year bachelors program level (Bachelor
of Pharmacy or B.Pharm). At Bachelor level there is no specialization.
At the masters level (M Pharm) specialization is available in Pharmaceutics,
Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical
Engineering etc. And after M.Pharm candidates can go for Ph.d programme
in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical
Marketing & Management.
After obtaining a diploma or degree in pharmacy,
and registering with the state Pharmacy Council, it is possible set up
your own pharmacy or chemists and druggists shop to stock and sell medicines
and dispense them according to doctors prescription.
Personal Qualities : In order to be a successful
pharmacist, one must have a liking for science particularly life sciences
and medicine. An ability to put hard work, strong logical thinking, patience,
a sense of responsibility, patient counseling skills are some of the qualities
needed for pharmacist. Strong analytical abilities and strong academic
foundations are needed in the field of research. To be a successful medical
representative, one needs to have good communication skills and a flair
for convincing people, Retail pharmacists need to have business skills
together with good product knowledge.
