What is a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) Degree? – An 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 |
10th, 12th (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 10th, 12th 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.