Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Do you want to pursue Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) course after completing B Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) course? If yes, this article will provide you with all the necessary details. You will be reading about Pharm D course format available after B Pharm graduation, eligibility criteria, admission process, entrance tests, syllabus and career prospects.
Studying Pharm D after completing B Pharm
In India, a format of Pharm D course is available, which is tailor made for B Pharm graduates. The course is called Pharm D (Post-Baccalaureate) course.
Course details
Pharm D (Post-Baccalaureate) is a Doctoral Degree course in the field of Pharmacy. Duration: It is 3 years long course. Academic program lasts for a period of 2 years (Phase 1). 1 year is dedicated towards internship (Phase 2).
The course covers topics such as clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical practice and pharmaceutical care. Skills acquired by students after completing the course are- diagnosis, therapeutic use of drugs, selection of drugs, treatment of diseases and monitoring of patients.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduates who have completed B Pharmacy course from an institute recognized by the PCI (Pharmacy Council of India) with minimum 50% aggregate marks are eligible to pursue this course.
Admission process
Most institutes follow ‘direct admission’ process. Graduates who satisfy the above mentioned eligibility criteria may approach institutes offering this course and apply for admission. Admission will be given to deserving candidates on the basis of marks scored by them in Bachelor’s Degree program. Some institutes do prefer graduates who have appeared for entrance tests such as- GPAT, PGCET or other similar state wise Post Graduate Common Entrance Tests. In case of such institutes, marks scored by a candidate in such entrance tests are also taken into consideration.
Some Deemed Universities and reputed institutes have their own qualifying examination/entrance test. If a candidate wants admission in one such institute, he/she may have to pass the said qualifying examination/entrance test.
Course content
Let us take a look at some of the important subjects present in Pharm D (Post-Baccalaureate) program-
1st year subjects-
- Pharmacotherapeutics 1 & 2
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Hospital and Community Pharmacy
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology
- Clinical Toxicology
- Pharmacotherapeutics 3
2nd year subjects-
- Clinical Research
- Clerkship
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
- Project Work
Along with theory sessions, most of the subjects mentioned above also do have practical sessions associated with them. In case of second academic year, clerkship and project work are also involved. On completion of Phase 1, 1 year long internship (residency training) follows.
Talking about evaluation, there exist two main types of examinations. They are- written examination and practical examination.
Career prospects and job opportunities
Pharm D (Post-Baccalaureate) course will help one get license to practice as a pharmacist in India and abroad. The course prepares students to practice as pharmacist in supervised or independent environments. Some places where one may practice are Government hospitals, Private hospitals, Community health centres, Nursing homes and NGOs.
Pharm D (PB) course is accepted and recognized all around the world. It is the minimum Degree required to practice as a pharmacist in many developed countries. This means that the ‘work abroad’ scope is very promising, when it comes to this course.
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Job opportunities are also available in the Pharmaceutical industry. One may take on technological, administrative or marketing positions in this industry.
Teaching is another job opportunity. One may take on the job post of a lecturer/instructor at Pharmacy Colleges/institutes. Clinical research organizations and research labs also hire Pharm D (Post-Baccalaureate) Degree holders.
Common job profiles available are-
- Pharmacist
- Teacher/Instructor
- Research professional
- Marketing professional (Pharmaceutical Industry)
- Administrative posts (Pharmaceutical Industry)
- Quality Control Officer (Pharmaceutical Industry)
- Drug Inspector
Places/areas where one may find job are-
- Government Hospitals
- Private Hospitals
- NGOs
- Clinical Research Organizations
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Pharmacy Colleges/Institutes
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.
Can I established my own pharmacutecal company after doing pharm d in Canada??
How college in aurangabad of pharm d
Ofter pharm D completed work in private hospital as duty doctor?
Can BSc graduate apply for Pharm- D post baccalaureate
After Pharm D can we eligible to call as a doctor
is the pharm D considered as pg course ?
Technically, it is a Doctoral level course. Can be pursued after 12th.
after completing b pharm we can join in d pharm
Wt is pharm D pb?
Post Baccalaureate program.
how many yr pharmD coarse after b.pharm
Ambica, 3 years, as mentioned in the article.