The study of Pharmacy is a healthcare science focused on the discovery, production, dispensing and safe and effective use of drugs and medication. It is a Non-NEET medical field that encompasses all types of pharmaceutical products and services. Many students question themselves about what to choose after 12th BIPC or when they can't clear NEET. Pharmacy will be a great choice and below is the brief about Pharmacy and its career scope.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications, aiming to ensure the safe, effective, and affordable use of medicines. The scope of pharmacy practice includes more traditional roles such as compounding and dispensing of medications. It also includes more modern services related to health care including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and efficacy, and providing drug information with patient counselling. The field also includes roles in drug research and development, pharmaceutical manufacturing and medication management in healthcare.
Key Aspects include:
- Pharmacy is a blend of health science and pharmaceutical sciences, focusing on the discovery, production and preparation.
- A major part of pharmacy involves direct patient care, where Pharmacists advise on medication use and provide services such as immunization.
- Pharmacists ensure the safety and legality of prescriptions by verifying the prescription order and checking a patient's medication history before dispensing.
- They are experts who advise patients and other healthcare professionals about medications, including their appropriate selection, dosage, and potential interactions.
- Pharmacy professionals work in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, research labs and more.
- The field includes pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy support staff, each with different training paths and responsibilities.
Online Pharmacy
An online pharmacy, internet pharmacy, or mail-order pharmacy is a pharmacy that operates over the Internet and sends orders to customers through mail, shipping companies, or online pharmacy web portals. There are both pros and cons for Online Pharmacy, it includes:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Convince and accessibility | Risk of counterfeit |
| Cost savings | Lack of direct pharmacists interaction |
| Easy price comparison | Privacy and data security |
| Wide availability of information | Potential for misuse |
| Privacy | Accessibility issue |
Online Pharmacy Courses
Online Pharmacy Courses range from short certification programs to full BPharm and MPharm degrees on available platforms like coursera, Udemy and more. These courses cover various topics including pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy and specific skills like drug development and becoming a pharmacy assistant.
Where to find online pharmacy courses?
- Websites like coursera and Udemy host a wide variety of courses.
- Some platforms focus specifically on pharmacy education, such as PharmaState Academy and MedCerts.
- Many universities offer online short courses and certificates through their continuing education or extension departments.
- Groups like the International Pharmaceutical Federation(FIP) offer specific online courses for professionals.
- Some institutions provide full degree programs via Distance Learning.
Udemy Courses
Udemy offers a wide range of pharmacy courses from exam preparation for roles like pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant to specialized topics like pharmacovigilance, pharmaceutics, and pharmaceutical industry business. Some of the courses include:
- Pharmacy technician/assistant
- Pharmacovigilance
- Pharmaceuticals and dosage forms
- Pharmaceutical industry business
Udemy Free Courses
Udemy offers a wide variety of free pharmacy courses, including topics like pharmacology, pharmaceutics and clinical pharmacy assistant skills. You can find free courses on specific areas like pharmacotherapy, dosage forms, prescription analysis, and the role of pharmacy assistants. Free Courses include:
- Free pharmacology tutorial
- Free pharmacy tutorial
- Diploma in clinical pharmacy assistant studies
- Free pharmacy tutorial- pharmaceutical dosage forms
- AI in Healthcare- retail pharmacy foundations
Coursera Free Courses
Coursera offers a variety of pharmacy courses for free to access video lessons and readings, or start a free 7-day trial for full access to a Specialization or Coursera Plus. Free courses often cover topics like basic biopharmaceutics, pharmacy technician essentials, and pharmacokinetics. To get a certificate, however, you typically need to pay. Free options for learning include:
- Enroll in a course and use the "audit" or "free" option to access course materials like videos, readings, and some assignments for free.
- Start with a free trial for 7 days or get coursera plus to get full access
- Specific free to audit courses.
Online and Free Certification Courses
Online pharmacy certification courses cover a wide range of topics, from specialized skills like pharmaceutical quality assurance, pharmacovigilance, and drug development to broader subjects like pharmacy technician essentials and good manufacturing practices. Many online platforms and institutions offer a variety of certificates, including options from major universities and online-specific providers like MedCerts, Coursera, and others.
How to choose an online course
- Assess your goals
- Look at providers
- Check the curriculum
- Verify accreditation
- Consider cost and duration
You can find free online pharmacy certification courses on platforms like Pharma Lessons, Alison and more, which offer free certificates for certain courses as well as options like Coursera which allow free auditing of course materials but require payment for a certificate. Free courses are available in areas like Basic Pharmacy, Pharmacology, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and specific topics like antimicrobial stewardship.
FAQ'S
Q1. Which institute is better for online clinical research courses?
Ans. Some of the best institutes for online clinical research courses include, Bangalore Clinical Research Institute (BCRI), Cliniminds, and Learning Labb Research Institute (LLRI).
Q2. How to get online pharmacy lectures?
Ans. You can get online pharmacy lectures from platforms like coursera, Udemy, Alison and more, which offer both free-to-audit and paid courses with certificates.
Q3. Is it possible to study pharmacy online for free or cheaply?
Ans. No, you cannot get a full accredited pharmacy degree for free or cheaply online as regulations in many countries prohibit these programs from being offered through distance education.
Q4. What do you mean by online pharmacy?
Ans. An online pharmacy, internet pharmacy, or mail-order pharmacy is a pharmacy that operates over the Internet and sends orders to customers through mail, shipping companies, or online pharmacy web portals.