Pharmacy is the science dealing with collection, preparation, and standardization of drugs. Pharmacists are, therefore, acknowledged to be the experts in medicines. Pharmacists must be knowledgeable about the composition of drugs, their chemical and physical properties, and their manufacture and uses, as well as how products are tested for purity and strength. Additionally, a pharmacist needs to understand the activity of a drug and how it will work within the body.

There are several courses available in pharmacy offered by institutions across the country. For joining a diploma course one should have completed class 10th examination. Those who want to pursue bachelor program viz. B. Pharm should have completed 10+2 Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and/or Biology. Master’s program and PhD programs are also offered at university level.

Courses offered at colleges of pharmacy are designed to teach students about all aspects of drug therapy. In addition, students learn how to communicate with patients and other health care providers about drug information and patient care.

The majority of pharmacists practice in hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy or in primary care pharmacy, working to ensure that patients get the maximum benefit from their medicines.

Qualified Pharmacy Technicians are in high demand nationwide. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the profession will be growing at a rate of 21-35% until the year 2012.