PharmD Vs MBBS: Eligibility, Admission, Job Scope, Top Colleges

PharmD Vs MBBS: Both are different degrees. PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a professional degree specialising in medicine and the pharmaceutical sector. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is an undergraduate degree that concentrates on the study of medicine and surgery.  

Pharmacists are trained to understand how drugs function, how they interact with the human body, and how to provide pharmacological therapy. They are in charge of ensuring that patients receive the correct medication at the proper dose and time and monitoring the medication's impact on the patient's health. 

The MBBS program includes various medical fields, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology. MBBS graduates learn how to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, and execute surgical procedures. Check out the details below to know about the PharmD Vs MBBS in detail.

MBBS vs PharmD: Key Highlights

MBBS and PharmD are among the go-to course choices for students planning to pursue a career in the medical field. The two courses may be challenging, but are recognised and considered of great significance in India.

A course in these fields allows students to understand the fundamentals of the medical and pharmaceutical field and choose a path for themselves. 
Some of the key highlights of the MBBS and PharmD are-

Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS in Government College

MBBS vs PharmD: Overview

MBBS or Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery is an undergraduate course in India that allows one to practice as a medical professional.

• The course is done for a period of 5.5 years, including the period of internship and provides an insight into the different categories of medicine like pathology, anatomy and surgery.

Whereas, PharmD or Doctor of Pharmacy is a 6-year course that allows a student to earn theoretical as well as practical exposure to the different aspects of medicine, its making and the practical knowledge of it.

• There is an internship period of a year included in the 6-year tenure of the course along with deep-dive knowledge of pharmacy.

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MBBS vs PharmD: Eligibility & Admission Process

Admission into a medical college is a matter of pride and challenge, which requires utmost preparation for the entrance examination and dedication to the course and the field of education.

All universities and institutes offering a course in MBBS or PharmD take admission based on the entrance examination, which varies from university to university.

MBBS Eligibility Criteria

• For admission to an MBBS undergraduate course, one is required to pass a minimum of 50% in 10+2, governed by a reputed university with compulsory subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
• However, for the reserved category, the minimum criteria for admission are 40%.
• The candidate should also be at least 17 years of age.
• The entrance examination NEET, is conducted all across the country and caters to the syllabus of 10+2 along with the basics of the MBBS. Some private universities, like AIIMS, conduct their entrance examinations.

PharmD Eligibility Criteria

• To be admitted into PharmD-offered universities and institutes, one has to bring a minimum of 50% in the class 12 examination from a recognised board of examination with compulsory subjects in physics, chemistry, biology, or mathematics.
• The reserved categories, such as ST/SC and OBC, are given a 5% relaxation, i.e., 45%.
• Entrance examinations like NIMSEE, GPAT, BV- CET and SRMJEE are conducted by different universities and institutes across the country.

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MBBS vs PharmD: Curriculum

Courses in MBBS and PharmD allow students to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the respective subjects and fields through an amalgamation of theory and practical aspects of MBBS and PharmD. The learning is surrounded by years of intensive training and specialising in their respective fields of education.

MBBS and PharmD provide the students with a semester-wise learning process that is planned to cover different aspects of the course effectively and efficiently. Some of the subjects covered during MBBS and PharmD are:

MBBS Subjects

• Anatomy
• Pathology
• Medicine
• Surgery
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Paediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Orthopaedics

PharmD Subjects

• Clinical Pharmacy
• Clinical Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Biopharmaceutics
• Pharmacognosy
• Hospital Pharmacy

Also Read:  Online MBA vs Regular MBA

MBBS vs PharmD: Benefits Of Pursuing

Graduates from both courses come in with their individuality and benefits. An MBBS graduate cannot replace a PharmD or vice versa. Although we must recognise the fact that MBBS is given better consideration than PharmD in our society, the course and the field of study are still the same.

Both courses require the utmost dedication, passion, and commitment to the theory and practical aspects of learning during the tenure of education. Some of the benefits of MBBS and PharmD are:

MBBS Benefits

• There is an evergreen demand for MBBS professionals. As there will be more and more increases in humanity, the demand for medical professionals will increase substantially. 
• After completion of MBBS, there is a wide scope of growth and development for the individual. They can choose to pursue a career in medical or even non-medical fields after MBBS. 
• One of the most prestigious jobs in the world, a doctor's income only increases with time and the experience they earn over time. A doctor is paid for their speciality and services. 

PharmD Benefits

• Healthcare workers are involved in contributing to the nation's health and welfare, which provides security in a job, as the duty of a healthcare worker never decreases.
•  PharmD graduates have the liberty to work from the office as well as from home. They can choose to work in an organisation, in their firm/clinic, or even remotely.
• A PharmD graduate is given consideration and respect throughout the globe. They are the frontline people who play an important role in decreasing chronic diseases and aiding the people of our country.

Also Read: Executive MBA Vs Distance MBA

MBBS Vs PharmD: Scope And Opportunities

With the growth of economies, the healthcare infrastructure is growing, and the need for competent healthcare professionals is also rising.  These two degrees provide many prospects to start a medical career and progress professionally. Medical experts are needed in health centres, from private to public.

Top recruiters for MBBS and PharmD students include Cipla, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Fortis Healthcare Limited, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and Dr Reddy's Laboratories.

The following are some of the most significant opportunities and career profiles in this industry:

MBBS Job Profiles

• Medical Surgeon
• Dietician
• Physician
• Medical Officer
• Paediatrician

PharmD Job Profiles

• Drug Expert
• Pharmacist
• Research Scientist
• Clinical Pharmacist
• Quality Assurance Manager

Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET 2025 for MBBS in Private College

MBBS vs PharmD: Salary

Money is an important aspect of deciding admission into a college for medical studies. 4- 5 years in one course is a big investment of time as well as capital. Students often take an education loan to pursue these courses from top universities in the country.

Some of the compensations paid to the MBBS and PharmD graduates after completion of the courses are listed below:

MBBS Salary

PharmD Salary

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MBBS vs PharmD: Top Colleges

A course in MBBS or PharmD is prevalent across India and is offered by many of the esteemed universities and colleges of our country. On the one hand, PharmD is an amalgamation of science and arts, which gives a deep dive into medicines.

In contrast, MBBS allows one to understand the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to become a physician, consultant, or surgeon so that one can contribute to and serve humanity.

Some of the top colleges providing a course in MBBS and PharmD are:

Top MBBS Colleges

• AIIMS Delhi
• CMC Vellore
• RG Kar Medical College
• Dr VRK Women's Medical College
• Saveetha Medical College

Top PharmD Colleges

• Chandigarh University
• NIMS University
• SRM University of Technology
• Goa College of Pharmacy
• LM College of Pharmacy
• JSS College of Pharmacy

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MBBS vs PharmD: Which One To Choose?

All in all, both courses allow the students to enter the universe of healthcare and the welfare of the people. MBBS and PharmD open unlimited opportunities for students to grow and develop to build exceptional careers and make a better version of themselves. Some of the reasons to opt for MBBS and PharmD are -

Evergreen Demand: As humanity evolves, the need for doctors and healthcare professionals also keeps increasing. People need doctors to advise, help and guide them towards a better and healthier lifestyle.

Advancement in Healthcare: The world is moving towards advanced technologies and equipment in the healthcare industry. There will be a high demand for professionals who are skilled and can understand the techniques appropriately and implement them.

However, it comes down to the inclination and interest of the student’s career goal. It depends on the aspirations of the students and how they want to build their careers in the field of medicine and healthcare. We hope that this article will provide insight into the two courses.

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