M. Pharm: Optimum Specialization and Career Option
Introduction:
It is important to recognize what pharmacy is earlier than gaining knowledge of about career in M. Pharm. Pharmacy is an arm of the fitness industry, related to the training, manufacturing and correct dispensation of medicines. Pharmacists are the ones experts who deal with drug treatments. They study medicines and provide proper usage of medicines to patients and society.
A pharmacist used to simply dispense and prepare medicines, but today it is the era of technology and research. Thus, now pharmacy study is not only about dispensing medicines.
Today, many subjects and new technologies have been added in the pharmacy, including:
- Pharmaceutics
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacognosy
- Pharmacy Practice
Courses and their duration:
In India, pharmacy study varies from diploma to PhD.
diploma course:
- D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy) – 2 years
Undergraduate (UG) Course:
- B.Pharm – 4 years
- B.Pharm Lateral Entry – 3 years
- B.Pharm (Hons.) – 4 years
- B.Pharm (Ayurveda) – 4 years
Post Graduate (PG) Course:
- M.Pharm – 2 years
- Pharm. D (Post Baccalaureate) – 3 years
- Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) – 6 years
Doctoral Course:
- Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Sciences – 3 to 5 years
M. Specialization in Pharm:
M. Pharm is a 2 year post graduation which is completed after B. Pharm. To pursue M. Pharm in India, passing B. Pharm with 50% marks is required. Its scope is excellent with a good college and appropriate skills.
Main Specializations:
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy
- Biopharmaceutics
- Drug Regulatory Affairs
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Master of Public Health
- Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance
- Quality Assurance
- Pharmacy Practice
- Phytopharmaceuticals and Natural Products
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Marketing and Management
Scope of each specialization:
1. Pharmaceutics:
It deals with the production, preparation and technical aspects of drugs. The pay could be less initially (20-30 thousand), but as experience becomes greater, one receives a position in good organizations.
2. Pharmacology:
It is a field which is always needed. You can find employment in various fields such as clinical research, consultancy, pharmacovigilance. Initial salary can be between 25-50 thousand.
3. Medicinal Chemistry:
If you enjoy discovering new medicines or research work, then this is a fine career option. There is scope in research, quality control, teaching etc. Initial salary is up to 20-45 thousand.
4. Pharmacognosy:
It is connected with herbal research and natural medicines. There can be opportunities in some good firms like Dabur, Himalaya, Zandu etc. The initial salary can be 12-30 thousand.
5. Pharmacovigilance:
It is a job sector connected with safety studies and side effects of medicines. There can be chances to get a good opportunity in metro cities. The initial salary can be up to 30-50 thousand.
6. Biotechnology / Microbiology:
There is a possibility of doing research in biotech-based firms. If you learn from institutions such as NIPER, you can have a starting salary of 25-35 thousand.
7. Hospital Pharmacy:
If you have got interest in retail pharmacy or scientific trials, then this is the specialization for you. The earnings can be round 20-35 thousand.
Career options after M. Pharm:
1. Teaching:
There are chances as a lecturer or assistant professor in government and private colleges. Work pressure is a bit more in private colleges.
2. Research:
There is a chance to work in the research of new drugs, clinical research, biosafety research etc. This chance is present in R\&D companies. There are chances abroad also for eligible individuals.
3. Emerging Fields:
Clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, market research, and consultancy have scope for growth with good salaries. Employment is primarily in metro cities.
4. Quality Control and Analysis:
The quality of the medicine has to be checked and standards have to be met. The scope further increases with a quality control diploma.
5. Production:
Pharma firms produce medicines. You may begin in small cities, but growth in big firms is a possibility in the future.
6. Regulatory Affairs:
One has to prepare necessary documents to export drugs outside the country. This is a better profession than teaching, and the pay is good too.
7. Medical Device Industry:
It is a small profession in India, but it is possible to grow with experience. There is greater work pressure.
8. Government Jobs:
The direct government job postings after M. Pharm are scarce, but you can opt for drug inspector or pharmacist. You can also give exams like UPSC, SSC.
9. Other Options:
Marketing, your own medicine shop, starting a pharma company etc. are also available options.
Final Conclusion:
The career scope after completing M. Pharm is very big, but three things have a lot of importance:
- Which college have you studied from
- Your own skills and interest
- Which specialization did you opt for
If you do further certificate courses pertaining to areas such as clinical trial, patent, HPLC, regulatory affairs and you possess good communication skills, then your prospect of securing a good position and better pay job grows.
Shreya Singh is a dedicated professor and lecturer with a strong academic background in pharmaceuticals and education. She completed her D. Pharma from Chandigarh University and holds a B.Ed. from Delhi University. With years of teaching experience at the college level, Shreya brings deep subject knowledge and a passion for learning to every classroom and blog post. An avid writer and educator, she enjoys sharing insightful content, simplifying complex topics, and helping students and readers grow academically and professionally.