D Pharma and B Pharma If you intend to choose a career in healthcare, then pharmacy can be one of the best and most stable options for you. Along with being a highly respected job, it shows a path for the contribution toward patient care as well as safe drug use. Since healthcare services have gone almost completely technological day by day, pharmacy has grown to be even more important in today’s time.
The question that usually arises is, which is the better course to pursue between D.Pharm and B.Pharm. Both courses have their own uses, but which one is more appropriate according to needs, career goals-satisfaction, and time-resource allocation can only be answered based on a lot of information. Let us first understand both courses in detail.
What is B.Pharm course?
- B.Pharm stands for Bachelor of Pharmacy, which is a four-year graduate level degree developed by professionals in the medical and pharmacy field. The course comprises subjects like pharmaceutical science, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics.
- Theory and practical classes are generalized study components that entail clinical practice workshops and research projects that give students hands-on experience. After completion of the course, students may become part of hospitals, pharmaceuticals, research labs, governments, private institutions, and even the defense force.
What is D.Pharm course?
- D.Pharm or Diploma in Pharmacy is a two-year course diploma for those students who want a quick start in the healthcare sector and gain professional skills in a short time.
- Pharmacy practice, basic pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacy law, and clinical practice make up the basis of the course. These give students the chance to work in laboratories and go on internships to connect directly with patients. After graduation, they can either run their own medical store or join an already existing government/private pharmacy.
Key Differences Between B.Pharm and D.Pharm
- Course Full Form: Bachelors in Pharmacy, D.Pharm: Diploma in Pharmacy
- Course Duration: 4 years, 2 years
- Bachelor of Study: Bachelors, Diploma Level
- Detailed learning and in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge: Basic skills and practical training Ineligibility: 12th (Science stream) with 50% aggregate marks. 12th (Science stream) with 50-60% marks. Fee Range: Rs 15000 to Rs 5 lakh per annum (depending on the college) Rs 30000 to Rs 2.5 lakh per annum
- Lincoln for career prospects: research, drug inspector, quality control, marketing, government job
Retail pharmacist, medical representative, hospital pharmacy and store operations - Further Studies M.Pharm, MBA, Ph.D. Lateral Entry Possible in B.Pharm
Which Course is Suitable for You?
B.Pharm is a better course for you if you want to have a wide and long-term career in the pharma industry, are planning to do research in the field, would like to work in a government job in India or abroad, or would like to continue higher education. This course makes you technically and professionally empowered and makes one eligible for top salaries and positions.
Conversely, if you are not very keen on investing time or money and would rather start a small medical business, then D.Pharm will be your best bet.
Major Subjects of Both Courses
Subjects of B.Pharm
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Computer Aided Drug Design
- Pharmacovigilance
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology
- Industrial Pharmacy
- Subjects of D.Pharm
- Pharmaceutics Theory and Practical
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Hospital Management
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biochemistry and Pathology
- Social Pharmacy
- Career Prospects
Prospects of holding a degree in B.Pharm:
- Pharmacist
- Drug Inspections
- Medical Underwriting
- Quality Control Analyst
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Production Manager
- Pharma Marketing
- Professor or Academic Career
- Various government health departments
- Prospects for DPharm Diploma Holders
Retail pharmacist:
- Hospital pharmacist
- Medical representative
- Pharmaceutical assistant
- Owner of a medical store
- Operations of pharmacies in private clinics/nursing homes
- Top Recruiters
Major organizations in India that hire pharmacy graduates:
- Sun Pharma
- Lupin
- Ranbaxy
- Apollo Hospitals
- Glenmark
- Cipla
- Fortis
- Gland Pharma
- Sanofi
- Divis Laboratories
- Piramal Enterprises
Conclusion:
Both B.Pharm and D.Pharm courses provide a strong base to enter the field of pharmacy. The only difference is that one prepares you for a more in-depth and longer career, while the other gives you a quick opportunity to get a job and start working with practical skills.
You must make a right decision as per your choice. If you want to pursue high studies and can invest time and other resources, B.Pharm is the best option. D.Pharm is a better option, however, if you want to start soon or want to go for a shorter duration or lower money.
FAQs
Q1. Sir, I am currently doing Science in 12th grade. I want to pursue pharmacy but I am confused whether to choose B.Pharm or D.Pharm?
A. This indeed is a question is posed by many and justifiably so. If you want to have a strong career, looking for research or government job and are ready for four years of study, then B.Pharm will be best suited for you.
Q2. Can I open a medical store after doing D.Pharm?
A. Of course, you can open a medical store. After doing D.Pharm, you get a pharmacist’s license and you can register your own pharmacy store. Many people do this and also earn good profits. Yes, you have to follow the rules of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
Q3. After B.Pharm, do you have to work in medical stores only?
A. No, not at all. After doing B.Pharm, many avenues open up for you – research labs, drug manufacturing companies, quality control, government jobs as drug inspectors, medical underwriting, clinical research and even the opportunity to work abroad. It is a professional degree, so you are not limited to just selling medicines.
Q4. Can I do MBA after B.Pharm?
A. Yes, and it is also quite trending these days. If you want to go into pharma marketing, management or healthcare administration after B.Pharm, then MBA can be a smart move. Many students choose MBA instead of M.Pharm so that they can enter the world of management.
Q5. What is the fee difference between B.pharma and D.pharma?
A. The fee structure of D.Pharm is generally a bit lesser as it is a diploma course of two years. In private colleges, these D.Pharm fees can go from Rs 30,000 to 1.5 lakh per annum. In contrast, B.Pharm fees begin at Rs 50,000 and can be as high as Rs 1.5 to 2.5 lakh per annum in top private universities. Both courses are available at very low prices in government colleges.
