Pharmacist

Pharmacy courses can be pursued at Diploma, UG, PG and PhD levels. The eligibility criteria differ as per the course selected by the candidate. However, given below the broad eligibility criteria for Diploma, UG, PG and PhD Pharmacy courses for the reference of candidates:

• Diploma  (DPharma): Candidates must have passed Class 10 with Science subjects i.e. Physics,  Chemistry,  Biologyand Biology as level (BPharma): Candidates must have passed Class 12 with a combination of either Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and secured at least 50% aggregate score from a recognised board. The course is of four years duration.
• PG level  (MPharma): Candidates must have passed BPharma with at least 50% aggregate score from a pharmacy college as approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The course is of two years- duration.

PhD level:

6-year Pharm D course:

• Candidates must have completed class 12 from every state level of education from any state/national education board. They must have studied Physicsand Chemistry as compulsory subjects with Mathematics or Biology as additional subjects. They must have completed 17 years of age in the year of admission.
• Candidates holding a Diploma in pharmacy are also eligible for Pharma Dcourse provided they fulfil all other conditions.

3-year Pharm D course (Post Baccalaureate):

• Candidates who passed the Bachelor of Pharmacy course from an institute recognised under the Pharmacy Council of India are eligible for Pharma D course.
• They must have completed higher secondary education i.e. class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology subjects.

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

The perks and benefits of working as a Pharmacist are as follows:

• Job Stability: High demand for pharmacists in healthcare settings.

• Good Salary: Competitive pay, especially in hospitals or pharmaceutical companies.

• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement into managerial or specialised roles.

• Job Satisfaction: Contributing to patient care by ensuring the safe use of medications.

• Work Environment: Opportunities to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies.

• Healthcare Benefits: Access to health insurance and other employee benefits in many organizations.

• Flexible Hours: Part-time, full-time, or shift work options, depending on the employer.

• Professional Development: Continuous learning opportunities through workshops, certifications, and further education.

Further to this successful completion of the Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharmacy), an aspirant could follow the undergiven steps to become an Army Pharmacist: 

Eligibility Criteria: Be certain that your qualification is as required by the Indian Army for a pharmacist entry in the service. As a general rule, the tests will typically require that an applicant: 

Be an Indian citizen. 
Not more than 19-25 years of age. 
Hold a valid D. Pharmacy degree from any recognised institution in the country. 
The Indian Army Pharmaceutical Corps: This is the branch of the Indian Army under which a pharmacist is recruited into the army for various functions such as providing medical support and managing medications in army hospitals. 

Join the Indian Army Pharmacist Through Short Service Commission: 

Once in a while, the Indian Army may open recruitment for pharmacists through SSC enlistment. Such posts can also be applied through the Indian Army. Visit the official Army recruitment website to watch out for recruitment notifications concerning these posts. 

Selection Process: 

Usually, the selection goes through a written test, a physical fitness test, a medical examination, and then an interview. 
Training: After selection, you would be trained at Army Medical Corps Centre and School. 

Service: After successful completion of this training, commission as an officer will be granted, enabling you to serve in Army hospitals or in other medical establishments undertaking biomedical and pharmacy work. 

It is, therefore, advisable to constantly refer to the official Army recruitment portal for the specific updates and notifications regarding recruitment of pharmacists.

Pharmacists deal with understanding the dosage and composition of drugs assigned to patients, suggest generic medicines to the patients, and check whether safety standards have been met or not. He also advises the patient's appropriate diet and lifestyle that should be maintained while taking the prescribed drugs. Moreover, he also looks after the shops, if run by him and also looks after the sales and marketing as well as distribution of drugs in and around his area.

A healthcare provider with expertise in the use and administration of medications is a chemist. They provide patients with their prescriptions after getting a doctor's directions. Pharmacists have a thorough understanding of how medications interact with the body and function so that patients who take them get the best results possible. Therefore, the role of a pharmacist is very important.