Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D)
Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a course in Pharmacy which was approved by Govt. of India in the year 2008 with Pharmacy Council of India being the apex body governing it. This course was developed with an objective of developing pharmacists to play an important role in patient care as members of the health care team. Pharm.D is a 6 years program during which 5 years is academic session and sixth year is completely bound to internship in hospital. The course is as per AYC 2016-17.
Role of Pharm. D
At the end of the course, the clinical pharmacists develop and acquire competencies (knowledge, skill and attitude) to provide pharmaceutical care services, drug and poison information services, patient counseling, identify drug-drug interactions, monitor adverse drug reactions, carry out therapeutic drug monitoring, help in drug dosage adjustment in special population and renal/hepatic patients, assist/co-ordinate in the conduct of clinical trials, promote rational use of medicines and ultimately contribute to better patient care.
There is a huge need of a Pharm D course in a country like India where there are huge drug related problems, irrational drug use and non-compliance to therapy among patients suffering from various chronic diseases Pharmaceutical Care by a physician along with the technical expertise of clinical Pharmacist is the ultimate and best way of achieving better patient care.
PharmD graduates will have job opportunities in Medical writing, Hospitals and Healthcare Centres, Clinical Trials, Community Pharmacy, Academic Pharmacy, Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION TO THE COURSE
In order to get admission in the course, candidates must meet the entry criteria for PharmD mentioned below.
• Candidates must have passed class 12 board exams from a recognized board with physics, chemistry and biology.
• The minimum requirement for candidates seeking this programme is 55% average marks in class 12 board exams.
• Candidates who have pursued diploma courses from either of the institutes recognized by the PCI (Pharmacy Council of India) can also apply for this programme.
DURATION OF THE COURSE
The duration of the course shall be six academic years (five years of study and one year of internship or residency) full time with each academic year spread over a period of not less than two hundred working days. The period of six years duration: First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth academic year & sixth year consisting of internship or residency training, involving posting in speciality units. During, sixth year students are exposed to actual pharmacy practice or clinical pharmacy services and acquires skill under supervision so that he or she may become capable of functioning independently.
ATTENDANCE
A candidate is required to put in atleast 80% attendance in theory and practical subjects separately. The candidates should complete the prescribed course satisfactorily to be eligible to appear for the examination. 75% attendance is compulsory to be eligible to take up sessional examination.
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
Medium of instruction will be English
COURSE OF STUDY
Subjects thought and Course curriculum for Pharm D programme is available in the link Link for syllabus PDF