Course

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO CAREER IN PHARMACY

Pharmacy is a versatile, dynamic, growing and increasingly diverse profession, one which creates an excitement because there are so many opportunities for service. It is an age old profession which has transformed into a hub for “Global Healthcare” and evolved as a multidisciplinary and multifaceted field in recent times. With the phenomenal rate of advances in the pharmaceutical industry, the health sector has thrown open a sea of opportunities for pharmacy professionals.

Unfortunately, in the eyes of the public, the role of the pharmacy profession and its contribution to the health care are often not duly recognized and even misunderstood. This is possibly because both public and policymakers believe that pharmacists’ role is restricted to merely buying and selling of medicines (like that of a salesperson in any ordinary shop). However, there is a lot more than pharmacists do to contribute to the health of the nation.

Pharmacists work in a wide variety of health care settings; in the pharmaceutical industry (carrying out a wide range of activities – from R&D to manufacturing to quality control, packaging, quality assurance, etc), in practice settings (hospital & community i.e. retail pharmacy), in academics, regulatory affairs, clinical research.

Pharmacists are health care professionals whose professional responsibilities include seeking to ensure that people derive maximum therapeutic benefit from their treatments with medicines. This requires them to keep abreast of developments and advances in knowledge and technology related to manufacture and use of medicines, professional standard requirements, laws governing pharmacy etc. While by nature of work/practice, many pharmacists work silently behind the scenes, some of them who are in direct contact with patients represent the face of the pharmacy profession. Thus, pharmacy is a product, as well as a service related discipline, increasing its scope two-fold. It is a noble profession which unfolds a vista full of opportunity leading to a golden future for a young career aspirant.

As proof of the public’s confidence in their pharmacists, the profession is continually ranked by the Gallup Poll (conducted in the USA) as one of the most trustworthy profession. Holding such a respected place in the healthcare system is a point of pride among pharmacists, earned through their dedication to ending pain and suffering.

Pharmacists represent the 3rd largest healthcare professional group in the world, and in India today, there are over a million pharmacists with around 55% of them in community, 20% in hospital, 10% in industry and regulatory and 2% in academic, working in various positions, applying their unique knowledge and skills, contributing to the health of the nation.

India has shown significant growth in the last few decades. It is one of the strongest economics in the world today. Though every sector has performed well, industries such as pharmacy has grown remarkably well. Not only entrepreneurs but people aspiring for making a bright career in pharmacy also find it lucrative. Experts say that in the coming years. Other than the noble academic jobs, pharmacy business will become more profitable.

Pharmacists enjoy substantial rewards for their efforts professional satisfaction as well as monetary. The remuneration varies depending on field of work chosen, geographical location, work responsibility, skills and experience.

Pharmacists are important members of the health care profession, and there is a need to make the best use of their services in oder to improve patients’ quality of life.

Source:

  1. A Career in Pharmacy; Pharmacy Council of India and Indian Pharmaceutical Association – November 2009; Pages 6-7.
  2. Scope and Future of Pharmacy in India; Prof. KRS Sambasiva Rao, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University; The Mizoram Pharmacists; 9; 2018-2019; Pages 9-14.
ER-2020 DIPLOMA IN PHARMACY SYLLABUS  

 

AN OVERVIEW

 

Course Title                

: 

Diploma in Pharmacy

Abbreviation              

: 

D. Pharm.

Type of Course           

: 

A Two years Diploma Course (Part I & Part II)

Three months Practical Training (Part III)

Medium of Instruction

:

English

Pattern                        

: 

Yearly

Capacity                      

:

60 seats per academic year

Award of the Degree 

: 

Diploma will be awarded for those passing as per rules and  regulations.

Examination Authority

 

:

Mizoram State Council for Technical Education (MSCTE)

SCOPE

These are broader statements on the purpose of the course in the curriculum, key contents of the course that will contribute to the specific knowledge and or skill developments. The teacher is expected to orient the students about the scope of the particular course at the beginning and intermittently.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The course objectives describe the key topics that are intended by the teacher to be covered in the course. In general, these are more specific than the scope and broader than the course outcomes. The teacher is expected to discuss the objectives of the course with the students and break-down the course objectives into micro levels as objectives of a specific topic/objectives of a specific lecture, etc. Such an exercise shall make the students to understand the significance of the course/topic/lecture and enhance their attention on the course/topic/lecture.

COURSE OUTCOMES

The course outcomes are more specific than the course objectives describe that describe the abilities of the students to perform/act, upon successful completion of the course. Hence, conventionally the course outcomes are described with verbs that are measurable or observable actions. The teacher is expected to describe the desired outcomes of the particular course, so that the students shall understand the various assessment criteria, modalities, and parameters. This also serves as a broader guideline for the teachers for preparing the assessment plan. A well-structured assessment plan associated with the course outcomes shall enable to mapping with the professional competencies and their attainment levels that are attributed to the program outcomes.

 

THEORY COURSES

The theory courses basically provide concepts and explain the relationships between the concepts. Understanding of the theoretical courses enable the students to identify the problems in real life situation and make a plan for addressing such problems. Also, the theory course helps to understand what is not known and thus is the tool for accumulation of knowledge. The syllabus of the theory courses has been systematically and logically described as different chapters and the minimum number of hours to be spent on teaching are mentioned chapter wise and course wise. The teachers shall further distribute the total hours of any given chapter among the sub-topics as required by the subject matter.

 

PRACTICAL  COURSES

The practical courses are designed for applying the theoretical knowledge in the given experimental/stimulated conditions. The practical courses deepen the understanding of theories, develop the skills, hone professional competencies, provide opportunities to observe, think and analyse problem solving methods. Further, they help to gain experience with the real things in practice. The teachers shall train the students in actual/simulated practical conditions.

 

TUTORIALS

The purpose of the tutorial hour is typically to engage the students in smaller groups in order to pay a closer attention on their learning process. This is an opportunity for the students to complete their assignments, develop specific skills, discuss any problems in the study topics in a less formal way. During the tutorial hour, the students shall exchange their ideas within the small group, and learn to accept constructive criticism and listen to others. Also, the tutorial hour enables the teachers to closely monitor the progress of the individual student and provide additional academic support to individuals, if necessary.

ASSIGNMENTS

The purpose the assignments are to encourage the students for self-directed learning. Further, the assignments will provoke critical thinking, enhance the skills such as literature search, data mining, data interpretation, report formatting, time-management, and written communication. This is also a mode of self- assessment for the student about the level of understanding of the concepts of a particular course. The teachers shall apply their knowledge and wisdom in choosing the assignment topics at a micro level in alignment with the topics given in the syllabus. The assignments shall be evaluated against a set of criteria. A typical format for the assessment of an assignment is given in Appendix -1.

FIELD VISITS

The purpose of field visits is to provide a real-world experience to the students. The field visits will help them to realize that what they learn within the walls of the classroom/laboratory can help them solve the problems they see in the world around them. Also, this is helpful to the teachers to widen their horizons of knowledge and broadening the scope of the syllabus. Every student shall submit a report describing their objectives, experience, learning points, etc. pertaining to the field trip, in the typical format given in Appendix-2.

 

PRACTICAL TRAINING

The goal of the practical training for the students is to provide a real-time, supervised experience on the professional tasks emphasised in their course of study. Further, it helps them to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in the professional working environment. The practical training intensively prepares the students with adequate competencies and qualifications required for the career opportunity in the future.

Thus, the ER 2020 D.Pharm syllabus is designed to nurture the students in all the three domains of

Bloom’s Taxonomy viz. cognitive (knowledge), affective (attitude) and psychomotor (skills). Further, it also provides ample of scope to the students for different learning styles viz. visual, auditory and kinaesthetic, i.e., ‘see, hear and do’.

The summary of the curriculum, courses and other activities and their metrics across the ER-2020 D.Pharm program are given here.

Criteria

Metrics

Number of subject areas (considering both theory & practical together)

11

Number of theory courses

11

Number of practical courses

10

Number of theory hours

825

Number of practical hours

600

Number of practical training hours

500

Number of tutorial hours

275

Number of course outcomes for theory courses

45

Number of course outcomes for practical courses

40

Number of courses which have given assignments

9

Number of assignment topics given

75

Number of assignments reports each student shall submit

27

Number of courses which have field visit

5

Number of field visit reports each student shall submit

9

Number of professional competencies

10

DURATION OF THE COURSE

The duration of the course (Part I & II) shall be for two academic years, with each academic year spread over a period of not less than one hundred and eighty working days in addition to 500 hours practical training (Part III) spread over a period of not less than 3 months.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION

Minimum qualification for admission to Diploma in Pharmacy is passed in 10+2 examination (regular science academic stream) with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics. OR Any other qualification approved by the Pharmacy Council of India as equivalent to the above examination.  

 

EXAMINATIONS

  • There shall be an annual examination at the end of the academic year.
  • Theory and Practical examination in the subjects (Part I & II) shall be of three hours examination.

Both Theory and Practical are considered as two separate papers.  

  • If necessary, there shall be a supplementary examination for the students who are not able to pass Diploma in Pharmacy as the case may be, as per the criteria specified by the examining authority.
  • The examinations shall be of written and practical (including viva-voce) nature.
  • A candidate who fails in theory or practical examination of a subject shall re-appear for the failed subject. Theory and Practical of a particular subject are considered as individual subjects for the purpose of pass criteria.

 

ELIGIBILITY FOR APPEARING IN EXAMINATION

  • Eligibility for appearing at the Diploma in Pharmacy Examination (Part I & II): Only such candidates having regularly and satisfactorily undergone the course of study by attending not less

than 75% of the classes held both in theory and in practical separately in each, shall be eligible for appearing at the Diploma in Pharmacy examination (Part I & II).

  • A candidate can have a relaxation of 10% attendance on medical ground by producing a genuine medical certificate from medical practitioner and a 5% relaxation by the faculty (concern lecturer) of the institute.

 

AWARD OF SESSIONAL MARKS AND MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS

A regular record of both theory and practical class work done and examinations held in an institution imparting training for diploma in Pharmacy for both Part-I & II courses shall be maintained for each student in the institution and 20 marks for each theory and 20 marks for each practical subject shall be allotted as sessional marks. 

MINIMUM MARKS FOR PASSING THE EXAMINATION

A student shall not be declared to have passed Diploma in Pharmacy examination unless he secures at least 40% marks in each of the subjects separately in the theory as well as the practical examinations including sessional marks. The candidates securing 60% marks or above in aggregate in all subjects shall be declared to have passed in first class. The candidates securing 75% marks or above in any subject or subjects shall be declared to have passed with distinction in that subject or those subjects. 

All candidates who have appeared for all the subjects and passed the Diploma in Pharmacy Part-I examination are eligible for promotion to the Diploma in Pharmacy Part-II class. However, failure in more than two subjects shall debar him/her from promotion to Diploma to Pharmacy Part-II class.

After having passed the Diploma in Pharmacy Part I & II, a passed certificate shall be granted by the examining authority to a successful student. 

 

IMPROVEMENT OF SESSIONAL MARKS

The candidates who wish to improve sessional marks can do so by appearing in two additional sessional examinations during the next academic year. The average score of the two examinations shall be the basis for improved sessional marks in theory as well as in practical. Marks awarded to a candidate for day to day assessment in the practical class cannot be improved unless he attends a regular course of study again.  

 

PRACTICAL TRAINING 

(PART III)

(a) After having passed both Part I & II examination for the Diploma in Pharmacy held by an approved examining authority, a candidate shall be eligible to undergo practical training in one or more of the following institutions namely:

    • Hospitals/Dispensaries run by Central Govt. /State Govts.
    • A pharmacy licensed for retail sale of drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 having the services of registered pharmacists.
    • Hospitals and dispensaries other than those specified in sub-regulation (i) and (ii) above for the purpose of giving practical training shall have to be recognized by the Pharmacy Council of India on fulfilling the conditions specified by the PCI.

 (b) The institutions referred in sub-regulation (a) shall be eligible to impart training subject to the condition that number of student pharmacists that may be taken in any hospital, dispensary or pharmacy licensed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 shall not exceed FOUR where there is one registered pharmacist. Where there are more than one registered pharmacists the number shall not exceed TWO for each additional such registered pharmacists.

(c) In the course of practical training, the trainee shall have exposure to-

     (1)Working knowledge of keeping of records required by various Legislative Acts concerning the profession of pharmacy; and 

      (2) Practical experience in activities as

        • Stocking of Drugs and Medical Devices
          • Inventory Control Procedures
          • Handling of prescriptions
          • Dispensing (250 hours)
          • Patient counseling   

(d) The practical training shall be of not less than five hundred hours spread over a period of not less than three months provided that not less than two hundred and fifty hours are devoted to actual dispensing of prescriptions.

Procedure to be followed prior to commencement of the training:

  • The head of an academic training institution, on application, shall supply in triplicate ‘Practical Training Contract Form for Pharmacist’ (hereinafter referred to as the Contract Form) to the candidate eligible to undertake the said practical training.
  • The head of an academic training institution shall fill Section I of the Contract Form. The trainee shall fill Section II of the said Contract Form and the head of the institution agreeing to impart the training (hereinafter referred to as the Apprentice Master) shall fill Section III of the said Contract From.
  • It shall be the responsibility of the trainee to ensure that one copy (hereinafter referred to as the first copy of the Contract Form) so filled is submitted to the head of the academic training institution and the other two copies (hereinafter referred to as the second copy and the third copy) shall be filed with the Apprentice Master (if he so desires) or with the trainee till completion of the training.

Practical Training Certificate: On satisfactory completion of the practical training period, the Apprentice Master shall fill Section IV of the second copy and third copy of the Contract Form and cause it to be sent to the head of the academic training institution who shall suitably enter in the first copy of the entries from the second copy and the third copy and shall fill Section V of the three copies of Contract Form and thereafter hand over both the second copy and the third copy to the trainee. 

This Contract Form, completed in all respects, shall be regarded as a certificate of having successfully completed the course of Diploma in Pharmacy (Part-III). 

CERTIFICATE OF DIPLOMA IN PHARMACY

A certificate of Diploma in Pharmacy shall be granted by the examining authority to a successful candidate on producing certificates of having passed the Diploma in Pharmacy Part I and Part II and satisfactory completion of practical training for Diploma in Pharmacy (Part-III).

REGISTRATION TO THE STATE PHARMACY COUNCIL

After successfully completing all the Part I, II & III of the Diploma in Pharmacy courses laid out by the Pharmacy Council of India and passing the EXIT exam, a candidate my get himself/herself registered in the State Pharmacy Council to be a fully recognized Registered Pharmacist by producing all the necessary documents.