When you’re ill, what do you do? You go to a doctor, and he prescribes you some medicines. You go to the pharmacy with the prescription. That person is a pharmacist. The role of a pharmacist is primarily to be the link between the doctor and the patient. They fill out the prescription form and ensure the correct dosage of medicine is given. In this blog, we shall find out the answer to the question of how to become a pharmacist in India.
Pharmacists do more than just manage the medicines. They also perform health checkup activities like health screenings and blood checkups. They will monitor and regulate the dosage of the doctor’s prescribed medications to the patient. There are several exciting career options available in the field of pharmacy. By the end of the blog, you will know the detailed steps regarding how to become a pharmacist in India.
Topics covered
Who is a Pharmacist?
A pharmacist is a healthcare expert who specializes in medications. They fill prescriptions from doctors and ensure you get the right medicine in the correct dose. Pharmacists also provide advice on how to take medications safely and inform you about potential side effects. They work in various settings like drug stores, hospitals, and clinics.
Besides medication job, pharmacists can give vaccinations, conduct health screenings, and offer tips on healthy living. They play a very important role in managing your health by working closely with doctors and other healthcare providers.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Pharmacist
Pharmacists ensure the safe and effective use of medications by working closely with doctors and patients. They are required in both urban and rural areas, providing access to necessary medications and healthcare advice. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of a pharmacist:
- To fill prescriptions accurately and ensure patients receive the correct dosage.
- To monitor patient medication regimens to ensure effectiveness and safety.
- To conduct basic health screenings like blood pressure and glucose level checks.
- To administer vaccines and provide immunization advice.
- To maintain and manage the stock of medications and other healthcare products.
A pharmacist does more than just sit on the counter and provide the medicine to the consumers. Understanding the roles is very important if you really want to know how to become a pharmacist.Â
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How to Become a Pharmacist in India?
Now, we will look at the detailed steps regarding becoming a pharmacist in India. The process is very smooth and easily doable. You just need to pursue some relevant courses, gain practical experience, and apply for licensing. Here is the overview of the steps involved in becoming a pharmacist in India:
- Complete 10+2 with science stream
- Pursue a pharmacy course
- Apply for internships or practical training
- Registration with the State Pharmacy Council
- Pursuing higher education (optional)
- Gaining work experience and specializationÂ
These are some of the general steps required if you are looking for the answer to the question of how to become a pharmacist in India. Let’s proceed with the pharmacist qualifications first.
You can also check out the list of the best Pharmacy Colleges in India here!
Completing 10+2 with Science Stream
- The first step is completing 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
- Different pharmacy courses may require varying cut-off marks, but it is advisable to aim for a minimum of 50-60% aggregate in 10+2.
You might also need to appear for the BPharm Entrance Exams in India. You can check out the top exams and their details here!
Pursuing a Pharmacy Course
Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharm)
- Duration: 2 years
- Focuses on the foundational aspects of pharmacy.
- Eligibility: 10+2 pass with Science stream.
After DPharm, you can either start working as a registered pharmacist or opt for further education like BPharm.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Duration: 4 years
- Offers a more in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical science, drug development, and patient care.
- Eligibility: 10+2 pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
Explore more information: BPharm Course.
Internship/Practical Training
Gaining practical experience through an internship or a training session is an important step regarding the answer to the question of how to become a pharmacist. Practical experience is needed in pharmacy education.
Most BPharm programs include mandatory internships in hospitals or pharmaceutical companies. This training helps students understand real-world pharmacy practices, such as drug dispensing, patient counseling, and inventory management.
Registration with the State Pharmacy Council
- After completing the DPharm or BPharm course, you need to register with the State Pharmacy Council to legally practice as a pharmacist in India.
- You will be issued a license that allows you to work in various pharmacy settings, including retail stores, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies.
Postgraduate Degrees in Pharmacy
- Master of Pharmacy (MPharm): Specializes in areas like pharmacology, pharmaceutics, or pharmaceutical chemistry. This option is ideal for those interested in research or academia.
- PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy): A 6-year program (including 5 years of academic study and 1 year of internship) focused on clinical pharmacy and patient care.
- Higher education can enhance career prospects, opening opportunities in research, teaching, or clinical pharmacy.
Gain Work Experience and Specialize
After obtaining your pharmacist license, having work experience is necessary. Pharmacists work in various settings, including:
- Retail Pharmacy: Dispensing medications, counseling patients, and managing pharmacy stores.
- Hospital Pharmacy: Working closely with healthcare professionals to provide medications and manage patient care.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Roles in drug development, quality control, or marketing.
You may choose to specialize in areas like clinical pharmacy, regulatory affairs, or drug formulation for better career opportunities. These were some of the general steps outlined in the answer to the question of how to become a pharmacist in India.
Need more courses? Explore the Top Pharmacy Courses After 12th here!
Pharmacist Jobs & Trends in India
Pharmacist jobs in India are growing steadily, driven by the expanding healthcare sector and the increasing demand for medicines. The pharmaceutical industry in India is expected to grow at a rate of 10-12% per year. This will boost the demand for pharmacists in areas like retail pharmacies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.
Many job opportunities are available, especially in cities, with roles like clinical pharmacists, community pharmacists, and positions in drug manufacturing and regulatory affairs. Government programs, such as “Jan Aushadhi” centers, also help create more pharmacist jobs by providing affordable medicines.
Salaries for pharmacists depend on their experience and location. Fresh graduates can earn between ₹2.5 to ₹4 lakhs annually, while those with more experience may earn around ₹6 to ₹8 lakhs per year. Pharmacists who work in specialized areas like research or clinical roles can expect even higher pay.
Want to know more about this career? Check out the blog Career as a Pharmacist for more information.
Is Pharmacy a Good Career? – Final Verdict
Yes, pharmacy is a great career choice with plenty of opportunities in the healthcare sector. As the demand for medicines and healthcare services grows, pharmacists play a key role in ensuring patients get the right treatment and advice. It offers job security, with positions available in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Through the steps outlined in the blog, you can easily get the answer to the question of how to become a pharmacist in India. By following such steps, you can easily follow in the footsteps of a pharmacy career.
Related Blogs to Explore
- Career as a Pharmaceutical Scientist Technologist
- MPharm Colleges in India
- Best Medical Courses After 12th
- Medical Courses Without NEET
FAQs
To become a pharmacist, the basic qualification is completing 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics. Afterward, you must pursue a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) or Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a recognized institution and register with the State Pharmacy Council.
After completing 12th (Science) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Math, you can enroll in a Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharm) or a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) course. Following graduation, register with the State Pharmacy Council to legally practice as a pharmacist.
Yes, you can become a pharmacist without NEET. Admission to pharmacy courses like DPharm or BPharm is based on 12th grade marks or through entrance exams conducted by institutions, but NEET is not required for pharmacy studies.
To start a career in pharmacy, complete 12th with Science, pursue a Diploma or Bachelor’s in Pharmacy, and gain practical experience through internships. Register with the State Pharmacy Council to obtain your license and start working in retail, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies.
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Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
