D.Pharm - Diploma in Pharmacy

Overview:

D Pharma is a 2-year career-oriented Diploma course providing foundational knowledge and skills in pharmacy. It prepares students for entry-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry, retail pharmacies, and hospitals.  The course covers topics such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacognosy. Students also gain practical experience in hospital and community pharmacies.

To pursue this course, Candidates must have completed higher secondary education with a science background, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics. They must also meet the minimum percentage marks required by the institution. Students can apply for admission to the D Pharma degree if they want to start a career in the Pharmaceutical sector and pursue a long-term career in the medical field of pharmaceutical sciences.

The course curriculum is based on the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) guidelines. The D Pharmacy syllabus is created to educate applicants to work in Hospitals, neighborhood Pharmacies, and other Pharmaceutically-related settings under the supervision of a certified Pharmacist.

After completing the course, students must undergo 500 hours of practical training in a recognized institution or government hospital.

D. Pharma makes person eligible to work as registered Pharmacist in India. After completing the course students can get employment opportunities as Pharmacist in private and government hospitals. Students can work as Pharmacy Technicians or Assistants, in patient counseling, or in Marketing in Health Clinics, NGOs, or Community Health Centres.

The average salary of a pharmacist in India is between 2 to 5 Lakhs per annum.

After this course, candidates can also pursue an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, but they must first complete their undergraduate degree.

Some Highlights of D.Pharm:

Top Colleges Offering D.Pharm:

• Cheran College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore
  
• College of Pharmacy, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Coimbatore
  
• Vinayaka Mission's College of Pharmacy
  
• Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal
  
• Arya College, Jaipur
  
• Chitkara University, Patiala
  
• Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune
  
• Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
  
• Parul University, Vadodara
  
• Sri Venkateswara College of Pharmacy, Andhra Pradesh
  

Why Choose D.Pharm?

Choosing the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) course in India can be a rewarding decision for several reasons. Below are some of the key benefits and reasons why students opt for this course:

• Short Duration: The D.Pharm course typically lasts for 2 years, making it a quicker option for those who want to start working in the healthcare field at the earliest. This is especially advantageous for students who wish to enter the workforce soon after completing their studies.
• Affordable Education: Compared to undergraduate (B.Pharm) or post-graduate courses, D.Pharm is relatively more affordable. This makes it a good option for students who may not have the financial resources to pursue longer, more expensive programs.
• Growing Demand for Pharmacists: India has a large and expanding healthcare sector. With a growing number of Hospitals, Pharmacies, Clinics, and the rising awareness of healthcare, there is a consistent demand for trained Pharmacists. D.Pharm graduates are qualified to work as Pharmacists in retail, hospital, or clinical settings.
• Career Opportunities: D.Pharm students have very good job opportunities in a number of areas like Retail, Hospital Pharmacist, Clinical Research, Sales and Marketing, or in Regulatory Bodies.
• Foundation for Higher Studies: D.Pharm can serve as a stepping stone for further education in the field of pharmacy. After completing the diploma, students can pursue a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Master's degree (M.Pharm), or even a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), if they wish to further specialize in the field.
• Practical Training and Knowledge: The curriculum of the D.Pharm course involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training. Students get hands-on experience in dealing with medicines, understanding their uses, side effects, and contraindications, and learning about pharmaceutical formulations, dosage forms, and more.
• Government Recognition and Career Security: The D.Pharm course is recognized by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), which ensures that the course adheres to national standards. Graduates can register with the State Pharmacy Council and work as licensed pharmacists in India.
• Opportunities in Rural and Remote Areas: There is a huge demand for qualified healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, in rural and underserved areas of India. This provides an opportunity for D.Pharm graduates to work in these regions, where healthcare services are often lacking.
• Support for the Pharmaceutical Industry: India's pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the world, with a strong presence in both generic and branded medicines. D.Pharm holders can contribute significantly to this growing industry by working in various roles, including drug production, quality control, and distribution.
• Global Recognition: Pharmacy is a globally recognized profession. After completing the D.Pharm course in India, students can explore opportunities abroad, particularly in countries where there is a demand for trained healthcare professionals. Further studies or certifications may enhance global career prospects.
• Improved Healthcare System: Pharmacists play a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem by ensuring safe medication practices, educating patients on proper drug use, and collaborating with healthcare providers. By pursuing D.Pharm, you contribute to improving the quality of healthcare services in your community.

Opting for a D.Pharm course in India is a smart choice for students interested in a stable career in the healthcare industry. It offers a relatively short educational timeline, ample career opportunities, and the potential for higher education and specialization. The growth of the healthcare sector in India, combined with the increasing need for qualified pharmacists, makes this diploma course a highly relevant and practical option.

Admission Procedure For D.Pharm:

The admission procedure for a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) course in India typically involves the following steps:

• Candidates must have passed class 12 with a minimum percentage in PCB/PCM, as specified by the institution. They must also have passed in any of the following examinations:

Intermediate examination in Science

The first year of the three year degree course in Science

10+2 examination (academic stream) in Science

Pre–degree examination

• Candidates can apply online or offline through the institution's admission portal. They must fill out application forms and submit required documents.

The selection process may include:

• A merit list based on the Class 12 or entrance exam scores
• An entrance exam conducted by the institution or state-level diploma entrance tests
• An interview
• Counselling and document verification
• Shortlisted candidates are called for counselling and document verification.

Usually, admission to D Pharma courses is based on Class 12 scores merit, however, some colleges also accept D Pharma course entrance exam scores such as CUET, GUJCET, NEET, etc.

Some institutes also offer direct admissions to D.Pharm courses without conducting entrance or state level exams.

Eligibility For D.Pharm:

• You must have completed your 10+2 (high school) education from a recognized board.
  
• Subjects required: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
  
• Minimum of 50% marks in the 10+2 examination is required
  
• You should be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
  
• Some institutions Require you to pass an entrance exam specific to their program. Common entrance exams include CUET, BITSAT, MHCET, GUJCET
  

Career Opportunities For D.Pharm:

D. Pharma makes a person eligible to work as registered Pharmacist in India. After completing the course they can get employment opportunities as Pharmacist in private and government Hospitals, Health Clinics, NGOs, Pharmaceutical Companies, Community Health Centres, educational institutes, and even the Food and Drug Administration.

By completing Diploma in Pharmacy offers very good future options in various state governments as well as central government organisations as their basic qualification criteria is Diploma in Pharmacy. You can work as Pharmacist in private institutions and reputed Pharmacies.

Jobs Opportunities After D.Pharm:

• Retail Pharmacist
  
• Hospital Pharmacist
  
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  
• Quality Control/Quality Assurance Analyst
  
• Clinical Research Associate
  
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  
• Drug Inspector
  
• Medical Representative
  
• Production Supervisor
  
• Health and Nutrition Advisor
  

Top Recruiters of D.Pharm:

• Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited
  
• Gleam Pharmaceuticals Private Limited
  
• Cipla
  
• Himalaya
  
• Novartis
  
• Dabur
  
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Lupin Limited
  
  

Syllabus For D.Pharm

Semester I

Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology
Human Anatomy and Physiology- I
Health Education and Community Pharmacy- I
Pharmacognosy - I
Pharmacognosy Lab
Pharmaceutical Chemistry-I Lab

Semester II

Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Chemistry- I
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Pharmaceutics Lab
Drug Store and Business Management
Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II Lab

Semester III

Health Education and Community Pharmacy
Human Anatomy and Physiology - II
Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology Lab
Antibiotics
Pharmacognosy- II

Semester IV

Health Education and Community Pharmacy- II
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy Lab
Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II
Pharmaceutics