Can I Join PharmD After 12th? Your Complete Guide to Pursuing a PharmD Degree
If you are considering a well settled career in pharmacy then you can pursue a “Doctor of Pharmacy” PharmD degree after completing your 12th. As you know that healthcare and medical industry is growing day by day. It should be a safer decision in terms of career in Pharmacy. You can become a skilled pharmasist healthcare expert, even researcher by enrolling in PharmD degree.
In this blog article we will know and explore all details about the PharmD course after 12th, eligibility criteria, course details, career etc…
What is PharmD
PharmD or Doctor of Pharmacy is a professional doctoral program in Pharmacy which is specially involves patient care and medication management. Unlike the Bachlor of Pharmacy, the PharmD course mainly focus on patient counseling and healthcare practices. The students, graduated from PharmD program are hired to work in hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical research and even as a tutor in coaching institutes.
Due to practical clinic practice and direct patient interaction experience and PharmD degree holders are in demand internationally in India.
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Eligibility Criteria for PharmD after 12th
Its a common question in every student's mind how can they pursue in PharmD directly after 12th grade.
- Educational: You need to complete your 12th with physics, chemistry and biology or mathematics. Basically you should be from science stream.
- Minimum Marks: You have to score at least 50% in your 12th grade. Also some institutes demand higher cut-off marks.
- Age limit: Generally there is no age criteria but some institutes require at least 17 at the time of admission.
Is NEET required for PharmD
The another question in student’s mind “is NEET required to get admission for PharmD”. The answer is ‘No’. There can be some entrance test for various universities.
- Pharmacy entrance exams: Various entrance exams are conducted to get admission in PharmD such as ‘BITSAT’, ‘MHT CET’, PU CET’.
- Direct admission: Some institutes and universities also offer admission in PharmD courses on the basis of 12th grade marks. Must check admission requirements for the university in which you want admission.
Admission Process for PharmD after 12th
- First you need to identify or reasearch about the colleges or universities which offers PharmD courses in India.
- If the institutions require some type of entrance exams, register and prepare for the exams.
- Complete the application forms online or offline as colleges require and submit required documents such as 12th grade marksheet, ID proof, recent photographs etc..
- On the basis of entrance test marks or merit, you have to attend counselling session to secure seat for you.
- After submitting counseling, complete the payment to confirm admission.
Duration and Structure of the PharmD Course
PharmD is a 6 year program. It includes 5 years of academic education and intership of one year in a clinical setting.
- Academic Curriculum: Students will learn the subjects like pharmacology, biochemistry, clinical toxicology and law of pharmacy in the first five years of academics. In the each academic year, students will have to attend practical sessions and laboratory work.
- Internship: The sixth year of last year is dedicated to internship. The final year will give you the hands on experience in hospital and clinical settings. Students will apply their theoretical knowledge in real world pateint care.
Skills required for a Successful Career in PharmD
There are some essential skills which are required to have a successful career in pharmacy.
- Communication Skills: By choosing PharmD you are in practical world and have to communicate and interact with patients daily. Therefore a strong communication with psychological understanding of patient is must.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy is essential factor for PharmD students. A small error in medication can create a serious problem.
- Empathy and Patient Care: As students of PharmD have to interact with patient on daily basis, they need to have empathy and understanding towards the patients.
- Analytical Skills: PharmD students must have analytical skills because they have to understand the complex drug interactions and medical conditions of a patient.
Future Scope and Career Opportunities After PharmD
A PharmD degree opens a wide range of career options for students who are passionate about Healthcare.
- Clinical Pharmacist: Work in hospitals to manage medication, consult with doctors and patient safety are included as a work of clinical Pharmacist.
- Hospital Pharmasist: Can provide guidance to patients and dispense medications in a hospital.
- Pharmaceutical Research Scientist: Students with PharmD degree can contribute their knowledge for a discovery and development of a drug.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: PharmD degree holders can work as officer of regulatory bodies who ensure the laws of pharmaceutical industry.
- Academia and Teaching: PharmD degree holders can teach and mentor the future pharmasist in the top universities and colleges.
The PharmD degree is recognised Internationally so the students graduated from PharmD program, are also eligible or jobs abroad.
Salary Expectations for PharmD Graduates
In India, the starting salary for PharmD Graduates is from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum. It depends on location and role.
Experienced professional, who specially working in research can earn INR 10-12 lakhs per annum.
Internationally, PharmD students earn higher salaries, specially in countries like USA and Canada.
Pros And Cons of Pursuing PharmD
Pros:
- There is high demand for healthcare experts.
- Opportunities for career growth are open internationally.
- With time you will gain experience and promoted to higher salaries.
Cons:
- Course duration of PharmD is lengthy of 6 years.
- High fees in some instructions.
- PharmD requires continuous learning and skills development.
There are other courses of pharmacy like B.Pharm and D.Pharm. But PharmD focus on in-depth education and clinical practice.
Also Read: how to stop sleepiness while studying
FAQs
1. Does PharmD requires NEET?
The answer is No. With entrance exams there are direct admission for PharmD courses.
2. What is the duration of the PharmD courses after 12th?
5 years of academic education and 1 year for internship. Total 6 years.
3. How do I prepare for the PharmD entrance exam?
Need a focus on physics, chemistry, biology (or mathematics). Solve previous year entrance exam papers and make a strategy or plan accordingly.
4. Is PharmD degree equal to a doctor?
PharmD Graduates are not medical doctors. They are trained in clinical pharmacy and healthcare which allows them to work closely with patients.
5. Can I use Dr. after completing PharmD?
Yes you can title ‘Dr.’ in some countries including India.
6. What is starting salary of PharmD Graduates?
in India, ite about INR 3-5 lakhs per annum.
7. Does PharmD have future Scope in India and abroad?
Yes, the PharmD Graduates are in demand in both India and abroad.
