Pharma.D vs B.Pharma - Which is Best Option after Class 12?

Pharma.D vs B.Pharma - Which is Best Option After Class 12: Candidates who are on the verge of completion of their school-level education must distinctively choose the right option in their career after class 12. As students, if one is quite confident in making their career in the pharmaceutical sciences, then they usually have two primary options like Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) and B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy). It can be said that both these courses, i.e. Pharma.D and B.Pharma offer promising careers in the pharmaceutical industry. However, in terms of scope, curriculum, job opportunities, and future prospects, there is quite a bit of difference. Through this article on B.Pharma vs Pharma D we aim to provide a comprehensive comparison to assist students in making an informed choice based on their interests, career goals and aspirations.

Also Read: Top 50 NIRF Ranked Pharmacy Colleges 2024

Why Choose Pharma.D: An Overview

A Doctor of Pharmacy, or Pharma.D., is a professional doctoral degree that is designed to prepare students for clinical roles in the healthcare sector, aiming at a  strong and inclusive focus on patient care, clinical practice, and the use of medications. Pharma.D doctoral degree was introduced in India in the year 2008 by the Pharmacy Council of India in view of the increasing demand of trained clinical pharmacists.

Duration of Pharma.D Course

Pharma.D is a six-year doctoral program, which is divided into five years of academic study and one year of internship or residency. The last year, i.e., the period of internship or residency, is provided to every candidate to introduce them to real-world experience at hospitals or clinical settings, where candidates adhere to instructions and work with clinical experts and healthcare teams to ensure optimal medication therapy management for patients.

Eligibility Criteria of Pharma.D

Candidates who have completed their class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics as core subjects are eligible to apply for this course. Moreover, candidates who have completed a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) are also eligible to take admission in this doctoral program.

Pharma.D Curriculum

This program emphasises the following subjects, which are mentioned in the below table.

Job Prospects after Pharma.D

Candidates who are willing to pursue their careers in Pharma.D can check the following list of career opportunities from the below table.

Salary and Growth Prospects after Pharma.D

In clinical roles, the salary of Pharma.D candidates is comparatively higher if compared to candidates who are pursuing B.Pharma. Since the demand has grown exponentially in the last decade with its primary focus especially on patient-centred care, therefore making it a lucrative career for aspirants. In India, the starting salary of a Pharma.D professional is usually between INR 4-6 lakhs per annum, which grows significantly with experience and especially with specialisations in the fields of pharmacovigilance, clinical research, or regulatory affairs.

Also Read: D Pharmacy Admission 2024 in India

Why Choose B.Pharma: An Overview

B.Pharma is an undergraduate-level program that focuses completely on preparing candidates for multi-various roles in the pharmaceutical industry, which includes drug manufacturing, marketing, and research. With respect to the ambit of both courses, the focus on the pharmaceutical sciences of B.Pharma is broader, emphasising drug formulation, drug development, and production.

Duration of B.Pharma Course

The B.Pharma is a four-year undergraduate course that includes both theoretical and practical training in specialised realms like medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics. After completion of the four-year degree program, candidates are eligible to register as pharmacists.

B.Pharma Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who have completed their class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics as core subjects are eligible to apply for this course. To apply for B.Pharma at many colleges and universities, successfully qualifying GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) or state level entrance examination is also required.

B.Pharma Curriculum

A B.Pharm. degree primarily focuses on the production and technical aspects of drugs rather than patient care, unlike Pharma.D. This program emphasises the following subjects, which are mentioned in the below table.

Job Prospects after B.Pharma

Candidates who are willing to pursue their careers in B.Pharma can check the following list of career opportunities from the below table.

Salary and Growth Prospects After B.Pharm

The initial salary as a B.Pharma graduate can be less compared to Pharma.D and it also depends on various factors like the role of the job and the industry concerned. Usually, the starting salary of a B.Pharm. graduate ranges between INR 2-4 lakhs per annum. However, with prior experience and further educational qualifications, the salary can increase significantly. The range of opportunities for a candidate who has completed their graduation in B.Pharm is much higher in the fields of drug manufacturing, marketing, and research, which ultimately grow over time.

Also Read: Career Options After B Pharmacy

Differences between Pharma.D and B.Pharma

Both Pharma.D and B.Pharma provide excellent opportunities in the pharmaceutical field; there are certain differences with which candidates should be well-versed.

Which is the Best — Pharm.D vs B.Pharm?

The choice of career between Pharma.D and B.pharm depends on the career goals and aspirations of the candidate.

Choice of Career as Pharma.D

Candidates must choose Pharma.D if:

• They are interested in clinical practice and patient care.
• Interest in working in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings
• Aspirations to become a clinical pharmacist, pharmacovigilance specialist, or work in drug safety.
• Interested in pursuing a career abroad, where Pharm.D is a widely recognised qualification for clinical roles.

Choice of Career as B.Pharma

Candidates must choose B.Pharma if:

• They are interested in the manufacturing, production, and marketing aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.
• Interest to work in pharmaceutical companies, research labs, or quality control departments
• Preference in areas like drug development, formulation, and regulation
• Choice of further studies like M.Pharm or an MBA to explore managerial roles

The most prominent and dynamic fields in the changing landscape of healthcare are B.Pharma and Pharma.D. With the healthcare sector becoming more patient-orientated, the demand for clinical pharmacists is expected to rise both in India and abroad, especially in hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care settings. Moreover, in the pharmaceutical industry, growth and development in realms like drug research and development, biotechnology, and regulatory affairs are equally becoming important in modern medicine, which ultimately would benefit the B.Pharma graduates.

To get guidance for admission in B.Pharma and Pharma.D, feel free to dial our toll-free number 1800-572-9877 or fill out CollegeDekho’s Common Application Form . An admissions counsellor will be assigned to you to make your journey hassle-free. In case of any queries or concerns, you can write to us in the QnA zone .