"Pharmacy is no longer seen as just a backup option."
For decades, pharmacy was often perceived as a secondary choice — Courses such as Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy ( Pharm D) are a backup plan for students who didn’t make it into medical school or other high-demand health sciences. Today, that perception is rapidly changing. With the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare, growing opportunities in clinical research, industry, and public health, and increasing respect for the profession, pharmacy has firmly established itself as a primary and prestigious career path.
A Career Full of Opportunities
Pharmacy graduates today have a wide range of career paths to choose from. In addition to working in retail or hospital pharmacies, they can pursue roles in:
- Pharmaceutical Industry – in drug development, regulatory affairs, or marketing
- Clinical Research – contributing to medical advancements and clinical trials
- Regulatory Bodies and Public Health – influencing policy and ensuring drug safety
- Academia – teaching and conducting research at universities
This versatility appeals to students who seek both stability and growth. Moreover, the rise of personalized medicine and biotechnology is opening new doors for pharmacists in advanced therapeutic areas.
Rising Demand and Global Recognition
As healthcare systems across the world become more complex and patient-centered, the demand for qualified pharmacists continues to rise. Governments and healthcare providers increasingly recognize the value pharmacists bring in reducing hospital admissions, improving medication adherence, and enhancing public health outcomes.
In countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK, pharmacists are being granted more responsibilities and autonomy, making the profession more attractive and respected. This global recognition further cements pharmacy as a forward-looking and rewarding career.
Students Are Choosing Pharmacy First
The new generation of students is well aware of these changes. Many now choose pharmacy out of genuine interest in healthcare, science, and patient interaction — not because other doors were closed. Admission trends in top pharmacy schools show a growing pool of highly motivated applicants who see the profession as a way to make a real difference in people's lives.
Between 2018-19 and 2019-20, India saw a sharp rise in pharmacy education capacity. The total number of seats for pharmacy courses—both degree and diploma—grew from 2,04,951 to 2,62,698, marking an impressive growth of nearly 30%. This expansion was mirrored by a significant increase in the number of institutions offering pharmacy programs, which rose from 2,306 to 3,276 within a year.
“There’s a common misconception that pharmacy graduates are limited to running a medical store or working in quality assurance,” says Sheik Vaseem Akram, a regulatory affairs associate earning ₹50,000 per month with only three years of experience.
“The scope in pharmacy is vast and ever-growing. Whether it's the pharmaceutical industry or clinical research, opportunities are everywhere—and they’re only expected to increase,” says Chinta Subash, a Pharm D graduate from the class of 2023 who now works as a drug safety associate. “Regulatory affairs, in particular, is poised for massive growth in the coming years,” he adds.
Subash, who initially chose Pharm D after not securing an MBBS seat, discovered his passion during his hospital internship. “I truly began to enjoy the program once I got hands-on experience. Today, I’m part of clinical trials, monitoring and documenting side effects and adverse reactions. I’m living my dream and earning ₹4.5 lakh per annum as a fresher,” he shares.
Similarly, Sheik Vaseem Akram, working in regulatory affairs with just three years of experience and earning ₹50,000 per month, points out a prevailing myth. “People often assume pharmacy graduates are limited to opening medical shops or working in quality control. That’s far from reality.”
Pharmacy: A Flexible and Inclusive Choice
One of pharmacy’s unique advantages is its accessibility to students from both BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) and MPC (Math’s, Physics, Chemistry) streams. Unlike other professional courses that are stream-specific, pharmacy is open to a broader pool of students. Admissions are facilitated through the Engineering, Agriculture, and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (EAPCET).
According to academicians and industry professionals, pharmacy is fast becoming a first-choice course for a growing number of BiPC students. It is estimated that around 30% to 40% now prioritize pharmacy over traditional options like medicine, dentistry, or agriculture. Among MPC students, about 10% to 15%—especially those with family ties to the pharmaceutical industry—are also opting for programs like B.Pharm and Pharm D.
Rising Demand and Job Security in a Post-COVID Era
While many pharmacy graduates pursue M.Pharm to further specialize, the job market for graduates has significantly expanded, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry experts highlight the increasing demand for a skilled pharmaceutical workforce across sectors—from manufacturing and research to regulatory and pharmacovigilance roles.
Unlike many jobs in the IT industry that are often subject to economic fluctuations and mass layoffs, careers in the pharmaceutical sector are generally considered more stable and secure. This long-term reliability, combined with expanding opportunities and meaningful work, is helping reshape pharmacy’s image—from a backup plan to a preferred career path.
source of :- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/