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Medical Store Keeper

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Medical Store Keepers manage inventory, dispense medications, and assist customers. A vital role in healthcare, ensuring safe and efficient access to medicines.

Average Salary

₹2,40,000

Growth

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Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Medical Store Keeper

To become a successful medical store keeper in India, certain educational qualifications and skills are generally required. Here's a breakdown:

  • Minimum Education:
    • Typically, a high school diploma (10+2) with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) is the minimum requirement.
  • Preferred Education:
    • A bachelor's degree in pharmacy (B.Pharm) or a diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharm) is highly preferred. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of medications, their uses, storage, and dispensing.
  • Skills Required:
    • Knowledge of Medicines: A strong understanding of different types of medicines, their uses, side effects, and storage conditions.
    • Inventory Management: Ability to manage stock levels, track expiry dates, and ensure proper storage of medications.
    • Computer Skills: Basic computer skills for managing inventory, billing, and generating reports.
    • Communication Skills: Good communication skills to interact with customers and understand their needs.
    • Attention to Detail: Accuracy in dispensing medications and maintaining records is crucial.
  • Additional Certifications (Optional):
    • Certification courses in inventory management or basic healthcare can be beneficial.

Having a formal education in pharmacy significantly enhances career prospects and provides a solid foundation for managing a medical store effectively. It ensures that the medical store keeper is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities and contribute to the healthcare system.

Study Path
Top Colleges

Top Colleges for Pharmacy in India

To pursue a career as a medical store keeper, obtaining a degree or diploma in pharmacy from a reputable institution is crucial. Here are some of the top colleges in India for pharmacy courses:

  • National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER):
    • Locations: Multiple locations including Mohali, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
    • Courses Offered: M.Pharm, Ph.D.
    • Known For: Research-oriented programs and excellent faculty.
  • Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi:
    • Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Ph.D.
    • Known For: Comprehensive pharmacy education and strong industry connections.
  • Panjab University, Chandigarh:
    • Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Ph.D.
    • Known For: Experienced faculty and well-equipped laboratories.
  • Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai:
    • Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Ph.D.
    • Known For: Focus on pharmaceutical technology and research.
  • Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal:
    • Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Ph.D.
    • Known For: Modern infrastructure and a wide range of specializations.
  • Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani:
    • Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Ph.D.
    • Known For: Innovative teaching methods and strong industry collaborations.

These colleges offer quality education, experienced faculty, and good infrastructure, which can significantly enhance your career prospects as a medical store keeper.

Fees

The fees for pharmacy courses in India can vary widely depending on the type of institution (government, private, or deemed university) and the course level (diploma, bachelor's, or master's). Here's a general overview:

  • Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm):
    • Government Colleges: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹75,000 per year.
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm):
    • Government Colleges: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year.
  • Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm):
    • Government Colleges: ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges: ₹75,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year.

Note: These figures are approximate and can vary. It's essential to check the specific college's website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure.

Additional costs to consider include:

  • Application Fees: ₹500 to ₹2,000 per application.
  • Hostel Fees: ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 per year (if applicable).
  • Examination Fees: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per semester.
  • Books and Study Materials: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per year.
Related Exams

To become a licensed pharmacist or medical store keeper in India, several exams and qualifications are essential. Here's a detailed overview:

  • Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm):
    • Entrance Exams: Many pharmacy colleges conduct their own entrance exams for D.Pharm admissions. Some states also have common entrance tests.
    • Curriculum: The D.Pharm course covers pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and pharmaceutical jurisprudence.
    • Licensing: After completing D.Pharm, candidates must register with the State Pharmacy Council to obtain a license to practice as a pharmacist.
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm):
    • Entrance Exams: National-level exams like GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) and state-level exams such as MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) are common for B.Pharm admissions.
    • Curriculum: The B.Pharm course provides a more in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, including drug design, development, and quality control.
    • Licensing: B.Pharm graduates must also register with the State Pharmacy Council to get their license.
  • GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test):
    • Purpose: GPAT is a national-level exam for admission to Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) programs.
    • Benefits: A good GPAT score can also lead to scholarships and job opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • State Pharmacy Council Registration:
    • Requirement: Mandatory for practicing as a pharmacist in any state in India.
    • Process: Requires submitting educational certificates, proof of identity, and paying the registration fee.

These exams and qualifications ensure that medical store keepers have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle medications safely and effectively.

Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. Stable job with consistent demand.
  2. Opportunity to help people with healthcare needs.
  3. Relatively less physically demanding work.
  4. Scope for career advancement with experience.
  5. Good understanding of medicines and healthcare.
  6. Can work in various settings (hospitals, pharmacies).
  7. Opportunity to learn continuously about new medications.
  8. Contributes directly to community health.
  9. Potential for good work-life balance.
  10. Job security in the healthcare sector.

Cons

  1. Long working hours, especially in retail pharmacies.
  2. Dealing with demanding or unwell customers.
  3. High responsibility for accuracy in dispensing.
  4. Exposure to potential health risks (e.g., infections).
  5. Requires continuous learning about new drugs.
  6. Can be stressful during peak hours or emergencies.
  7. Limited opportunities for creative work.
  8. May require standing for long periods.
  9. Strict regulations and compliance requirements.
  10. Salary may be limited without advanced qualifications.