Pharmacy Career Options After Graduation
There are multiple career paths you can choose once you graduate with a B.Pharm degree.
You can pick from a deep pool of options, such as a hospital, retail, or industrial pharmacist or something else, like clinical research, IT, or a medical representative, to name a few. There are over 100 different career pathways for a pharmacy graduate to settle on.
Difference between Hospital, Retail and Industrial Pharmacists
Hospital Pharmacist:
Work Setting: Healthcare setting or healthcare organisation.
Responsibilities:
- Communicates directly with healthcare teams, physicians, nurses, etc., to help ensure the patient gets the proper medication.
- Administers prescribed drugs and other related materials; prescribes drugs to patients.
- Evaluates the patient’s response to a particular drug therapy, including the drug operations, safety, and effectiveness.
- Offers information on various drugs and assistance to patients and other healthcare professionals.
- Can work in some specific sectors such as an oncology, or Intensive care unit.
Focus: Efficient medication management and patient treatment with an emphasis on receiving the most favourable result in the chosen clinical area.
Retail Pharmacist:
Work Setting: Chain store pharmacy, retail store pharmacy, or retail chain store pharmacy.
Responsibilities:
- Orders prescriptions, distributes medicines to patients, and sends refills.
- Counsels patients on the safe use of drugs, such as over-the-counter drugs, diseases and health, and other health concerns.
- Also responsible for inventory and processing and adjustment of insurance claims.
- Explain the purpose of the medication to a patient, including the dosage, how often it is to be taken and any side effects.
Focus: Educating the general public, giving easy to understand health tips, safety of medications at a consumer level.
Industrial Pharmacist:
Work Setting: Manufacturers of pharmaceutical and related products or research organisations.
Responsibilities:
- Playing a role in drug development its manufacturing qualitative views.
- Carries out research on formulations, safety and effectiveness of the drugs in the market.
- Serves to check and ensure a firm adheres to a specific set of legal requirements.
- This company engages in the synthesis and packaging of drugs in very large quantities.
- May involve themselves in clinical research, marketing and monitoring of adverse effects of products.
Focus: Pharmacology, pharmaceutical manufacture, and drug control.
Aspect | Hospital Pharmacist | Retail Pharmacist | Industrial Pharmacist |
Work setting | Hospital & Healthcare Facility | Community Pharmacies | Pharmaceutical Companies |
Responsibilities |
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Focus | Patient care, optimising medication use | Ensure medication safety at a consumer level. | Drug production, research, and regulatory compliance |
Pharmacy Career Options: What is the Best Path for India or Abroad?
A career in pharmacy can lead to many exciting opportunities, both in India and around the world. However, your interest in moving abroad can impact the career you choose. Let us help you navigate the decision-making process to find the best fit for your aspirations.
Career abroad
The healthcare sector is rapidly expanding worldwide, and in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry, there is a global increase in demand for pharmacists.
So, if you are pursuing a pharmacy degree or just completed one and are considering moving abroad to countries like Australia, Canada, or anywhere in the Gulf, it is wise to start working as a hospital pharmacist. One can also start working as a retail pharmacist, as most countries require previous work experience in either hospital or retail. The potential as an industrial pharmacist may vary according to the country of interest.
Quick fact :
Most countries worldwide require 2 to 3 years of prior experience, depending on the country and impressive skill sets. The type of degree, whether B.Pharm, M.Pharm or any other, has a minor impact on the job scope, except in a few countries that exclusively require a Pharm.D.
Career in India
If you are planning to settle in India, then opting to become an Industrial pharmacist is the best choice. Apart from this, numerous new roles and jobs are emerging in India, which can pave an excellent career path for a pharmacist. One can choose to work in the IT sector, Pharmacovigilance, or clinical research, to mention a few. These fields offer higher pay at the entry level, unlike hospital and retail pharmacies, which have much lower pay initially but are the best choice if you want to move abroad in future.
Tip: If you are aspiring to make an international move in the future, it is wise to plan ahead. Start by choosing a country. then gather all details regarding educational requirements, work experience, salaries, job scope, and visa options. This will keep you sorted and will help you make the best pick. Does this all sound a bit tedious? Worry not! We've got you. Our videos and blogs are packed with information you can use to make an informed decision. For instance, check this video on top countries for pharmacists.
How to Narrow Down Your Options?
There are more than 100 career paths pharmacists can pursue. Deciding what route to take depends on your interests, where you would like to work, and your specific training. Here are a few tips for pharmacists to help select the right career path.
Determine your career goals.
It is crucial to have a clear mind about career goals. You must understand your purpose in picking a particular career pathway. A confused mind will only lead to chaos while setting clear goals ensures a legitimate plan leading to a successful career.
Conduct your own research.
You can also consult fellow peers and other established physiotherapists to get opinions and insights in the current field of pharmacy. It will help you compile information and know what other people's viewpoints are. It will keep you up-to-date on the latest happenings in the pharmacy industry.
Consult with experts
We at Academically Global have a wealth of experts ready to assist you with every step of your career. We can help you select a pharmacy career path, prepare you for the exams and set you up as a pharmacist in your desired country and career.
Realise that your first job won’t be your last
Remember that any decision you make is not set in stone. You will always have the flexibility to change roles or even switch industries. Don’t feel overwhelmed by this choice, believing that you’re locked into the area of pharmacy you select in the early part of your career. Your first job doesn’t have to be your “forever” job, so consider every position a chance to learn and grow.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pharmacy career path, whether in India or abroad, is a pivotal decision that shapes your future. It’s important to keep your goals and aspirations in mind, but remember that your first job is not your final destination. You have the flexibility to explore different roles and industries throughout your career.
At Academically, we have a team of experts ready to guide you through every step of this journey. Whether you’re preparing for exams, deciding on a career abroad, or looking for insights into pharmacy pathways, we are here to help.
Take the next step! Book a free counselling session with our experts today to start planning your career with confidence.
