Diploma in Pharmacy, or D.Pharma, is a diploma-level education designed for students interested in studying pharmacy and pursuing a career in medicine. It is a two-year full-time diploma programme that prepares individuals to work in hospitals, community pharmacies, and other pharmaceutical-related sectors under the supervision of a certified pharmacist.
India is a big country by population of around 130 crore, and there is huge requirement of medicines. Due to the opening of many large and multinational pharmaceutical companies, the future in the field of pharmacy is too bright. Therefore career, scope and job opportunities in Pharmacy field are huge. Diverse job opportunities are available for D.Pharm candidates. Government and private sector job opportunities are available for them.
Minimum qualification for admission to Diploma in Pharmacy part-I course — A pass in any of the following examinations with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics.
Intermediate examination in Science;
The first year of the three-year degree course in Science,
10+2 examination (academic stream) in Science;
Pre-degree examination;
Any other qualification approved by the Pharmacy Council of India as equivalent to any of the above examination.
Provided that there shall be reservation of seats for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes candidates in accordance with the instructions issued by the Central Govt. /State Govts./Union Territory Administrations as the case may be from time to time
One can work in chemist shops or retail stores of medicines. After registering with the State Pharmacy Council, D. Pharm certificate holders may even start their own private drug store or chemist shop and sell medicines as per doctor’s prescription. To thrive in such a venture, one must have access to decent financial resources and entrepreneurship skills. He can start his own wholesale business or open his own surgical items shop. D. Pharm candidates may start practicing as pharmacists in India. Pharmacist can practice in community pharmacies, where he can choose to become a community pharmacist after the completion of the course.
Some of the top professional job roles for D Pharmacy students are:
Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
Data Analyst
Pharmacist
Pharmacist in Charge
Clinical Pharmacist
Hospital Pharmacy Director
Hospital Staff Pharmacist
Assistant Professor
Sales and Marketing Executive
Food and Drug Administration
Retail Pharmacist
Retail Staff Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Business Development Manager
Research Scientist
The duration of the course shall be for 2 academic years with each academic year spread over a period of not less than one hundred and eighty working days in addition to 500 hours practical training spread over a period of not less than 3 months.
The various subjects and curriculum activities which will be covered over the course duration of 2 years is mentioned below: