Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) – A Comprehensive Guide
Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a 6-year professional degree that focuses on Clinical Pharmacy, Patient Care, and Drug Therapy Management. It is a great option for those who want to work in hospitals, research, and clinical pharmacy settings rather than pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Course Overview
Duration: 6 years (5 years of academic study 1-year internship)
Eligibility: 10 2 (Science – PCM/PCB) or D. Pharm
Admission: Merit-based or entrance exams (e.g., GPAT, state-level CETs)
Regulatory Body: Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Primary Subjects in Pharm. D
Year 1-5 (Academic Study)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacotherapeutics
- Biochemistry & Microbiology
- Clinical Pharmacy & Hospital Pharmacy
- Community Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
- Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Research
Year 6 (Internship/Practical Training)
- Hospital/Clinical Internship
- Patient Counseling & Medication Therapy Management
- Research & Case Studies
Career Opportunities after Pharm. D
Clinical Pharmacist – Work in hospitals, advising doctors on drug therapy.
Pharmacovigilance Specialist – Monitor and analyze drug side effects.
Hospital & Community Pharmacist – Dispense medicines and counsel patients.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) – Conduct and manage clinical trials.
Regulatory Affairs Executive – Work with pharmaceutical regulations and drug approvals.
Academician or Researcher – Teach pharmacy students or work in R&D.
Medical Writer – Write research papers, drug monographs, and regulatory documents.
Salary & Scope
Starting Salary: ₹8-10 LPA (varies based on location and experience).
Best Industries: Hospitals, Clinical Trials, Pharma Companies, Research Labs, Government Health Departments.
Global Demand: Pharm. D graduates can work abroad (USA, Canada, Australia, Gulf countries) with proper licensing exams like NAPLEX, PEBC, DHA, HAAD and MOH.