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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHARMACY
Pharmacy as a career choice is fast emerging among the youth of
today due to the opening up of the Indian economy and growing buoyancy of
the pharmaceutical sector in the country. The increasing impetus being given
to research both by the government and the industry is opening new opportunities
for professionals in the field. A lot of interest is there in the profession
as drug and pharmaceutical companies and research centres alike are taking
candidates with qualifications for their various projects and assignments.
Educational Qualifications
The easiest way to enter the profession is through pursuing a diploma course
in pharmacy conducted by various state level government polytechnics institutions.
Duration of the course is 2 years and the minimum admission qualifications
are a Pass in 10+2 examination (Academic stream) in Science (Physics, Chemistry
and Biology or Mathematics) or any other examination approved by pharmacy
council of India or equivalent to the above said examination.
Areas of Training
Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical jurisprudence, Pharmacology
& Toxicology, Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy, Bio-Chemistry, Pharmacognosy,
human Anatomy - and Physiology, Health Education and Community Pharmacy,
Drug Store and Business Management are the fields of training generally
imparted in the diploma course.
Continuing Education
Students can opt for higher education such as B Pharm, M Pharm and Ph D
after pursuing a course of diploma in pharmacy. Alternatively these courses
can be pursued after completing the graduation in the areas of physics,
Chemistry and Biology.
Job Opportunities
One can join as a Hospital Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Community pharmacist,
or Family pharmacist. Employment opportunities also exist in medical stores
retail chemists, whole sale dealers & manufacturing chemists for cosmetics,
One can begin as an enterprenurer for repacking of drugs & chemicals,
as also as sales or medical representatives. Analysts in chemical / drug
analysis laboratories are also in demand and pharmacy graduates get good
offers in the field. Technicians in biochemistry & pathology lab, Pharmacist
in banks & financial institutions, Railways, agencies & in defense
forces etc are opportunities in the Government sector which offer stable
career and life style.
Compensation
Now a days, the minimum starting pay for a fresh pharmacist is in the range
of Rs. 6000/- to 8000/- The compensation package also depends upon the sector
you join. A career in a large MNC would give you much better returns and
conducive work culture. One can also join in various government laboratories
or hospitals which offer decent pay packets and stable life style. Rise
in emoluments depends upon qualification and experience. It is always advisable
to start the career and then keep on adding additional qualifications to
further enhance the job prospects and career growth. It is not uncommon
to find people drawing excellent salaries and perks after obtaining the
right qualifications and experience. 
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