Hey there, buddy! Welcome back to our exclusive WTF series. This week, let’s take a look at the field of Pharmacy. In this blog, we give you answers to the top 5 FAQs about pursuing a degree in Pharmacy.
1. Does pharmacy only prescribe drugs for patients?
No, it's not only about drugs, pills or medicines. In fact, there are different types of pharmacies that do different things.
- Clinical Pharmacy: Clinical Pharmacies can be found in settings like hospitals, nursing homes and medical centers. The duty of a clinical pharmacist is to ensure the optimal use of drugs and medications and monitor drug safety. They also study and predict drug interactions to understand their nature and effects.
- Research Pharmacy: As the name suggests, the role of a research pharmacist involves rigorous research processes. They work towards developing new drugs and medication. They also study in detail the effectiveness and interactions of drugs.
- Regulatory Pharmacy: To ensure the safe dispensation and use of medication, it is important to have a set of rules and guidelines. This is taken care of by regulatory pharmacists who create rules and regulations to guarantee the safe use of drugs and medication.
- Ambulatory Care Pharmacy: This field serves particularly elderly people and those in rural areas. Ambulatory care pharmacists provide services to people by meeting them in person. This is done via mobile services to help the patients seek medical assistance without much hassle.
2. Where to study pharmacy course abroad?
Here are a few pharmacy course specializations offered by some of the most leading universities:
Monash University (Australia):
#2 in the world for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject). Offers Diploma, Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. courses in pharmaceutical science. At Monash, students will get to study and work with Australia’s largest group of pharmaceutical researchers.
University of South Australia (Australia):
Provides graduate certificate programmes, bachelors and master’s programmes in this field of study. It is the only University of Pharmacy in South Australia to be a member of the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
The University of Sydney (Australia):
The school is a member of the Group of Eight and ranks 24th in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020). Students taking up the Bachelor of Pharmacy course must complete a mandatory work component of 210 hours and for students taking up the Master of Pharmacy, the mandatory work component amounts to 350 hours.
The University of Auckland (New Zealand):
Ranked #30 worldwide for Pharmacy and Pharmacology by the QS Rankings, the University of Auckland is one of the leading institutions that offers pharmacy education. Established in the year 2000, the university has a state-of-the-art research team working in the field of pharmacy. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes in pharmacy.
University of Otago (New Zealand):
Ranked in the top #100 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology by QS World University Rankings, the University of Otago is on the leading edge of pharmacy education. Through the competitive entry pathway programme followed by the completion of health Science First Year, international students can enter the Bachelor of Pharmacy in the second year.
University of Sunderland (United Kindom):
Pharmacy at the University of Sunderland has a history of more than 100 years. At Sunderland, the students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and learn from some of the most experienced academicians. They can benefit by getting practical experience from pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists, employers and the NHS.
3. Is there any pre-requisite subject for pharmacy course?
Prerequisite subject especially chemistry is always compulsory. Some universities may require biology or physics along with maths as well.
4. Do I need to study masters after I completed my bachelor?
Masters degree is not a must, however it could benefits you in learning more knowledge and have better career advancement. Based on UK's education system, students would usually complete the course with masters for pharmacy by default. While in Australia/New Zealand/Malaysia, students graduate with bachelor but they all are equivalent degree. It's just that UK's version is called masters. Study duration in each country is the same - 4 years.
5. What is the status of the field of pharmacy in Malaysia right now?
The Malaysian Pharmacist Society stated that pharmacists in the private sector are playing a critical role and their role is as important as frontline health workers at present.
According to an article published in The Sentinel Newspaper (based on the Pharmacies and Healthcare Stores Global Market Forecast report), the market for pharmacies and healthcare stores is expected to meet with increasing demand. In 2018, over 30% of the market for global pharmacies was in the Asia Pacific region including countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand.
Interested in a career in pharmacy? Then get in contact with our education counsellors at AECC Malaysia today. With years of experience in the field of education, our counsellors can offer you expert guidance to help you choose the right pharmaceutical science course that will help you get your dream job. Book an appointment now!
