A degree in pharmacology equips you with knowledge of the world of medications, their sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and benefits the consumer gets after consuming them. A student from a pharmacology background can delve into the synergies of drugs in the biological systems of humans, how clinical trials proceed, drug regulations, and the purchasing and selling of pharmaceuticals.
In India, this career has started getting a lot of traction and students are opting for a degree in Pharmacology. The pandemic situation gave prominence to the capabilities of the pharmaceutical and biotech Industries to do exceptional things and govern the situation worldwide. So, with this unequivocal consideration and the pace at which these pharmaceutical organizations have managed to control the health crises all over the world. Thus, it has led to a hike in career opportunities related to pharmacology.
Through this article, we will take you through the educational requirements, key skills, and what are the career options one can take after completing a degree in Pharmacology and succeeding in it as a career.
Academic Requirements for Pharmacologists
To become a pharmacologist, an aspirant should take biology and chemistry as main subjects post 10th class. Post that, one should take a degree of first B.Pharma. and then M.Pharm in a relevant field of science subjects like Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical, Microbiology, and Chemistry. The alternative route for a student is that they can study for a degree of M.D and then take the MBBS. For some job seekers, a Ph.D. is a must degree to become a pharmacologist
Recommended Read: New Age Career Options In Biology
Key Skills Required
A degree in Pharmacology usually trains you with these incredible skills:
- Vocational/ High-Tech expertise and Proficiency in Laboratory Work
- Extensive Analytical skills
- Conventional IT expertise
- Team Effort
- Self-administering, including outlining and completing deadlines
- Efficient communication and real-world experiences.
Careers After Acquiring a Degree in Pharmacology
To look beyond the usual array of career options available in the marketplace, these are the following research-based and applicable careers that provide competitive salaries and help you reach the niche category in this particular area:
1. Medicinal Writer
This is one of the careers that not only gives you hands-on experience but also lets you do in-depth research on a lot of medical terms. As a medical writer, one can work closely with a doctor on the ever-changing dynamics of various medical terms with research papers or with a reputed pharmaceutical or biotech company on the creation of informative and sales necessities. These necessities usually revolve around the bare facts of how a new product is introduced in the market, including the privileges, reactions, and much more. These writers can also be assigned to handle administrative writing tasks as they are well-versed with the dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry, such as what composition they have, renewals of licenses and contracts, and much more.
Recommended Read: Unconventional Healthcare Careers That Will Surprise You
2. Pharmaceutical Sales Person
A degree in pharmacology can lead to becoming professional experts who often work directly with reputed biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Their main job is to stay in touch with both current and probable clients and pitch all the products that the company needs to offer to the buyers. These job specifications vary from organisation to organisation but usually comprise the outlook of people and process-based management, client relations, and last but not least marketing.
3. Pharmaceutical Lab Scientist
Pharmaceutical lab scientist is one of the intriguing careers that one can follow post the degree in Pharmacology. Their job profile includes administering the actual research and the process of developing new drugs, offerings, and medicinal therapies. They can either take the route of the public sector like working with a university or some governmental projects or the private sector which could be a private pharmaceutical organisation. The key roles in their job consist of research supervision, the discovery of drugs after studying the market, testing new drugs, operating and carrying out clinical trials, and much more.
4. Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager
This is one of the career options that explore marketing as well as takes you through the nitty-gritty of pharmacy background. The role of a pharmaceutical manager is leading the way in alternating the branding for latterly developed products and progressing on the existing marketing techniques and taking an apt approach towards current products. As they run towards the same destination, these marketing managers often work by teaming up with the sales representatives. Their main task is to ensure that the brand value of the brand remains intact and the products are welcomed by both physicians and the public.
5. Medical Liaison
The most fundamental use of intermediaries is seen around us quite widely whether it’s getting a document made or any other work so that it sails through smoothly. So, to make their product reflect a positive impact in the market and show how it’s beneficial to the masses- Medical Liaisons are hired by pharmaceutical companies. They act as a principal point of contact between these giant pharmaceutical companies and doctors. The impact of this job profile is quite stunning and vital for the organisation because, alongside representing and grasping the company’s perspective, “medical liaisons can explain in microscopic angles: how drugs work and can be a godsend for the patients.
6. Drug Inspector
The key responsibilities of a drug inspector include keeping a track of the assurance, efficacy, and grade of drugs from their manufacturing till their selling in the marketplace. To work as a drug inspector in an ever-changing dynamic environment, they should possess qualities like self-control and inner- strength. Their job role also includes bringing together numerous salts and conducting tests to know the worth, positive, and ill-effects of the mixtures. After completing a degree in Pharmacology, the student needs to pass through the competitive exam which is conducted all-over India to hire the finest candidates.
Conclusion
After a thorough examination, we have listed the finest career roles that you can commence after a degree in Pharmacology. These careers are crafted to provide the coaching and real-life experiences required in this technical field. You can also take up a job as an Academic Researcher, Consultant, or Professor besides the careers listed above. But, you should opt for a career that fits best with your interests and aptitude. To know more about pharmacology as a career, take Career Counselling Online with Mindler.