MD Pharmacology: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary

MD Pharmacology is a specialized doctorate degree (postgraduate) that delves into study of drugs, their mechanism of action, and effect on the human body. The course duration is 3 years encompassing experimental and clinical practices. To enrol in MD Pharmacology, one needs to qualify MBBS and NEET-PG exam along with the permanent registration in State Medical Council.

• MD Pharmacology fees vary among different quotas in government and private colleges.
• Generally, It ranges between INR 5 to 10 Lakhs including hostel, exam, and other expenses.
• Some government universities charge as low as INR 12,000 to 50,000 and may offer the stipend up to INR 60,000 to 90,000.
• During MD Pharmacology, one has to work for a thesis by participating in preclinical or observational studies.
• After completing the specialization, one can work in clinical setting, research or academia.

MD Pharmacology: Course Highlights

The table below showcases the key highlights of the course.

Why Pursue MD Pharmacology

MD Pharmacology covers areas like Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and clinical trials. Such study imparts various skills like conducting research, analyzing data, and rational prescribing.

• It prepares for a fulfilling career in healthcare, academia, research, and the pharmaceutical industry.
• The knowledge acquired by pursuing MD Pharmacology serves in improving medical research, thereby patients’ lives.
• Pharmacology research is also critical in the development of personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patient needs.

MD Pharmacology: Eligibility

MD Pharmacology eligibility criteria is an MBBS degree with a minimum of 55% marks, completion of one-year internship, and a registration certificate from the NMC/Medical Council. Moreover, candidates have to qualify NEET-PG as the admission is based on the merit of the national-level entrance exam.

MD Pharmacology: Admission Process

Admission to MD Pharmacology is strictly exam based. Universities consider the NEET-PG score and performance in GD/PI.

Admission process may vary among the institutes. Therefore, applicants are advised to go through the admission guidelines given on the official admission portal of the chosen institute.

General admission process followed by most universities are as follows.

1. Application: Candidates have to apply for the MD Pharmacology by filling out the application form either online or offline.
2. GD/PI Rounds: shortlisted candidates have to appear in subsequent GD/PI rounds, if applicable.
3. Cut-off Release: Universities will release the cut-off list and selected students will be called for document verification and counselling rounds.
4. Admission Confirmation: Upon counselling, students will have to confirm the seat by paying the fees.

MD Pharmacology Best Colleges in India

In India, there are many colleges/universities offering MD Pharmacology. Some of the best institutes are tabulated below.

Syllabus of MD Pharmacology

Syllabus of MD Pharmacology covers a wide range of subjects like Basic sciences as applied to Pharmacology, Systemic Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, Experimentation, Research, Biostatistics and Education, Recent advances in Pharmacology, etc. According to NMC, the curriculum has to be designed in a way that includes research work and necessary practical skills.

In the table below, General Subject Areas in the syllabus followed by AIIMS, Hyderabad is mentioned.

MD Pharmacology Jobs

With an MD Pharmacology, one can find employment in both, government and private organizations. Opportunities after MD Pharmacology is not limited to clinical practice or healthcare services.

There is always a growing demand for Pharmacologists in Medical Research to advance drug discovery and improve the quality of life.

Here are some well reputed and high paying positions in government/private organizations.

Salary of MD Pharmacology in India

Salary of a Pharmacologist varies among the various sectors, location, and job roles. An initial salary of an MD Pharmacology graduate ranges between INR 10 to 15 LPA, with potential to increase up to INR 20-50 LPA with years of experience in the field.

Here is the salary data as per Indeed and Glassdoor analytics.

MD Pharmacology Vs. Pharm D.

While both, MD Pharmacology and Pharm D. focus on medications, they differ in the key area of focus, duration, eligibility, and career paths.

The table below represents a major difference between these two courses.

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