All you need to know about Pharmacy studies in India

Pharmacy is a profession in the healthcare sector that links health sciences with chemical sciences to ensure the safe dispensing and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. The scope of pharmacy includes traditional roles such as dispensing medicines as well as modern services related to healthcare including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and efficacy and drug information. Pharmacy colleges in India focus on equipping their students to do all the above and more.

Several pharmacy degree programs are offered in India such as : diploma in pharmacy , bachelor of pharmacy , master of pharmacy, master of science in pharmacy and master of technology in pharmacy, doctor of pharmacy . Some of the best pharmacy colleges in Bangalore offer the above specializations.

Entry qualifications and eligibility criteria for pharmacy colleges differ across states in India.

Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharm Program)

Admission to the first year of D Pharm program in India is based on the performance of an applicant in the higher secondary examination. The D Pharm curriculum is framed under the education regulations of the Pharmacy Act. The current regulations were framed way back in 1991 and are followed all across the country.

Bachelor Of Pharmacy (B. Pharm Program)

Admission to the first year of this program is made directly from higher secondary school on the basis of marks obtained in the higher secondary examination or the entrance exam conducted by a college. The course involves four years of study and B. Pharm students are eligible to apply to a M. Pharm degree.

Master Of Pharmacy (M. Pharm Program)

The criteria for admission to M. Pharm program is performance in B. Pharm or an entrance level examination. This course is in high demand across the country. It is a two year long course, of which the second year is devoted to research leading to a dissertation in any pharmaceutical discipline.

Doctor Of Pharmacy (Pharm D Program)

Admission to this program is based on the successful completion of the higher secondary examination or the D Pharm program. B. Pharm degree students can join this program in the fourth year. This course has the longest duration of six years and was introduced in 2008 with the aim of producing pharmacists who have received extensive training in practice sites and can provide pharmaceutical care to patients.

Pharmacy students play an accountable role in the practice model by having defined responsibilities for patient healthcare. This expanded role results in students who are best trained to meet the challenges of pharmacy practice and necessary reforms in healthcare.