It is a postgraduate pharmacology course and is concerned with the study of action of drugs. The total duration of the course is 2 years and is highly career oriented that opens up several jobs after successfully completing the course. Then minimum qualification required is either M.B.B.S/B.D.S with 55% of marks or B.Pharm./ Bachelors degree in science or B. physiotherapy with 60% marks. A master degree holder in Pharmacology can work in various research institutions as research fellow, as research and development scientist in Pharmaceutical companies, medical writers, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, clinical data management, regulatory affairs and in colleges/universities as lecturers.
Ph.D in Pharmacology program
After successfully completion of M.Sc. program in pharmacology, one can either go for job or can apply for Ph.D program in pharmacology that opens up ways for higher research studies and jobs at upper level. A Ph.D holder in pharmacology can enter a Pharma company, other research based companies, medical writing, scientific writing or in universities/colleges. Average annual salary varies between Rs. 8 lakhs to Rs.12 lakhs per annum.
MD in Pharmacology
MD in pharmacology is a 3 year full time post graduate pharmacy program. Minimum qualification required for this course is MBBS or an equivalent degree with minimum 55% marks from a good recognized institution. Several colleges offer this course in India and have their own eligibility criteria, process of admission and fee structure. After successfully completing this course they can work in field like Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, medical writing, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, clinical data management and universities etc. They work in positions like pharmacology professor, senior manager, academic head, assistant manager etc and the average salary ranges in between Rs. 2 to 15 lakhs.
To have a strong career in pharmacology and toxicology one needs to have useful work experience that assists in developing a sturdy network of contacts that demonstrates the level of interest and commitment to the employers. One can build up their work experience by being a laboratory assistant or through vacation studentships in their study place. Some of the pharmacology and toxicology programmes also offer potential placements in sectors like industries, commercial places and research areas. Or you can opt to work as volunteer in a pharmacy or chemist.
Typical employers of a pharmacology and toxicology students are,
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Clinical trials
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Patenting department
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R & D Sectors
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Manufacturing sectors
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Regulatory affairs sectors
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Sales and marketing affairs
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Scientific writing
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Academic institutions
Skills
Now coming what skills you get to add in your CV from a pharmacology and toxicology degree that makes your profile strong? Well! A pharmacology and toxicology degree offers a strong understanding of medicines, their potential source, chemical properties, along with biological effects and therapeutic effects. In addition to that we can develop,
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Strong communication skills
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Capability to design, and handle complex data
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Analytical and problem solving abilities
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Organisational skills
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Capability to work without much supervision
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Safety knowledge
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Time management
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Decision making skills
If you are a research and particularly a drug research lover you should definitely choose this course as your career. We have tried to gather over all possible opportunities for a Pharmacologist and toxicologist. Excluding the above sectors, there are many other sectors where these people can join as per their interests and extra abilities or skills they have.
