Educational Requirements
Education Requirements for a Career as a Medical Store Owner/Pharmacist
To successfully run or work in a medical store in India, specific educational qualifications and licenses are required. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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Minimum Qualification:
- D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy): This is the minimum educational requirement to obtain a license to run a medical store. It is a 2-year diploma course after 10+2.
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Higher Qualifications:
- B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy): A 4-year undergraduate degree that provides a more in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical sciences.
- M.Pharm (Master of Pharmacy): A postgraduate degree for advanced knowledge and specialization in areas like Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, etc.
- Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy): A 6-year professional pharmacy doctorate program.
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Key Points:
- Licensing: After completing D.Pharm or B.Pharm, registration with the State Pharmacy Council is mandatory to practice as a registered pharmacist.
- Practical Training: Some courses include mandatory practical training in hospitals or pharmacies.
- Skills Required: Strong knowledge of drugs, understanding of prescriptions, good communication skills, and attention to detail are essential.
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Course Curriculum Highlights:
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmacognosy
- Drug Regulatory Affairs
Having the right educational background ensures you are well-prepared to handle the responsibilities and regulatory requirements of running or working in a medical store.
Study Path
Top Colleges
Top Colleges for Pharmacy in India
To pursue a successful career in pharmacy, choosing the right college is crucial. Here are some of the top colleges in India for pharmacy courses:
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National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER):
- Located in various cities (e.g., Mohali, Hyderabad).
- Offers B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Ph.D. programs.
- Renowned for research and industry-oriented curriculum.
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Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi:
- Offers B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Ph.D. programs.
- Well-regarded for its faculty and infrastructure.
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Panjab University, Chandigarh:
- Offers B.Pharm and M.Pharm programs.
- Known for its strong academic focus and research.
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Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai:
- Offers B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Ph.D. programs.
- Focuses on pharmaceutical technology and research.
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Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal:
- Offers B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Pharm.D programs.
- Known for its comprehensive curriculum and industry collaborations.
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Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani:
- Offers B.Pharm program.
- Focuses on innovation and research in pharmaceutical sciences.
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Selection Criteria:
- Entrance exams like GPAT, NEET, and state-level exams.
- Academic merit and performance in qualifying exams.
Choosing the right college can significantly impact your career trajectory in the pharmaceutical field.
Fees
The fees for pharmacy courses in India can vary widely depending on the type of institution (government, private), the level of the course (D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm), and the location.
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D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy):
- Government Colleges: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
- Private Colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹75,000 per year.
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B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy):
- Government Colleges: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
- Private Colleges: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 Lakhs per year.
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M.Pharm (Master of Pharmacy):
- Government Colleges: ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per year.
- Private Colleges: ₹75,000 to ₹2.5 Lakhs per year.
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Factors Influencing Fees:
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Colleges with better labs and facilities may charge higher fees.
- Reputation and Ranking: Well-reputed colleges often have higher fee structures.
- Location: Colleges in metropolitan cities tend to be more expensive.
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Additional Costs:
- Apart from tuition fees, students should also budget for accommodation, books, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Related Exams
To pursue a career related to medical stores, such as becoming a pharmacist, several entrance exams can pave the way for admission into pharmacy programs in India.
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National Level Exams:
- GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test): A national-level exam for admission into M.Pharm programs.
- NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): Though primarily for medical courses, some pharmacy colleges may use NEET scores for admission.
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State Level Exams:
- Various state-level entrance exams for admission into B.Pharm and D.Pharm programs conducted by respective state governments.
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University Level Exams:
- Some universities conduct their own entrance exams for pharmacy programs.
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Exam Details:
- GPAT: Tests knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacognosy.
- State & University Exams: Syllabus usually covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics from the 10+2 level.
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Preparation Tips:
- Focus on core subjects: Pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, and biology.
- Solve previous years' question papers.
- Take mock tests to assess preparation level.
- Stay updated with current affairs related to the pharmaceutical industry.
| Exam Name | Exam Date |
|---|
Related Courses
| Course Name | Average Fee |
|---|---|
| ₹15,00,000 | |
| ₹4,00,000 | |
| ₹8,00,000 | |
| ₹3,00,000 | |
| ₹7,00,000 | |
| ₹6,00,000 | |
| ₹6,00,000 | |
| ₹ | |
| ₹6,00,000 | |
| ₹7,00,000 | |
| ₹30,00,000 | |
| ₹6,00,000 | |
| ₹3,00,000 | |
| ₹8,00,000 | |
| ₹6,00,000 |
Pros And Cons
Pros
- High demand for medicines ensures stable business.
- Opportunity to serve the community's healthcare needs.
- Scope for expansion with multiple stores.
- Can provide additional healthcare-related services.
- Relatively recession-proof compared to other businesses.
Cons
- Strict regulatory compliance and inspections.
- Requires continuous updating of knowledge about drugs.
- Long working hours, including weekends and holidays.
- High competition in urban areas.
- Risk of handling expired or counterfeit drugs.