Diploma in pharmacy also known as diploma in pharmaceutical technology is a medical course for candidates wanting to become pharmaceutical technologists. Diploma in pharmacy is a three year course whose goal is to produce competent graduates with the competency, and skills to provide professional drug dispensing services in pharmaceutical stores and hospitals.

This article explores the qualifications for diploma in pharmacy, diploma in pharmacy course units, whether pharmacy is a marketable course, and colleges that offer diploma in pharmacy in Kenya.

Diploma in Pharmacy Requirements

Diploma in pharmaceutical technology is a competitive medical programme requiring good performance in KCSE. The grade needed for a pharmacy course is a mean grade C (plain) with passes in respective cluster subjects. In summary, the following are the qualifications and requirements for diploma in pharmaceutical technology in Kenya;

1. KCSE mean grade C plain
2. C plain in English or Kiswahili
3. C plain in chemistry or physical science
4. C plain in biology or biological sciences

Diploma in Pharmacy Course Units

The course outline for diploma in pharmaceutical technology cover everything learners need to deliver holistic care. The course units are distributed within the three-year study duration. A diploma in pharmaceutical technology covers the following course units.

Year 1 Course Units

1. Basic mathematics
2. Social psychology
3. Entrepreneurship
4. Computer applications
5. Christian beliefs
6. HIV/AIDS
7. Community skills
8. Human anatomy
9. Pharmaceutical microbiology
10. Medical physiology
11. Biochemistry
12. Physical chemistry
13. Inorganic chemistry
14. Organic chemistry
15. Social and administrative pharmacy 1
16. Pharmacy practice experience 1

Year 2 Course Units

1. Social administration pharmacy II
2. Inorganic pharmaceutical chemistry
3. Pharmacognosy
4. Analytical pharmaceutical chemistry
5. Organic pharmaceutical chemistry
6. Drug supply management I
7. Pharmaceuticals I
8. Pharmaceutical chemistry I
9. Drug supply management II
10. Pharmacy practices experience II

Year 3 Course Units

1. Pharmaceutics II
2. Organic pharmaceutical chemistry II
3. Pharmacology & therapeutics II
4. Social administration pharmacy III
5. Pharmaceutics III
6. Pharmacy practice experience
7. Research project

Colleges that offer Diploma in Pharmacy in Kenya

Medical courses in Kenya are accessible countrywide. Reputable medical training colleges have branches and campuses in different counties. The following is a brief list of colleges that offer diploma in pharmacy in Kenya;

1. KeMu
2. Kmtc
3. TuK
4. Mku
5. Kisumu polytechnic
6. Nairobi technical training institute
7. Technical university of Mombasa
8. Kabete national polytechnic
9. Kisii national polytechnic
10. Kisiwa technical training institute
11. Rift valley technical training institute
12. Kenya coast polytechnic
13. Eldoret polytechnic
14. Nyeri national polytechnic
15. Murang’a university of technology
16. Thika technical training institute

Is Pharmacy a Marketable Course?

Diploma in pharmacy is a marketable course considering the high demand for drug dispensing services in hospitals and pharmacy stores. According to mywage salary reviews, the salary for majority of diploma in pharmaceutical technology technicians ranges from Kes. 25,957 to Kes. 90,564 per month.  The monthly salary for entry-level pharmaceutical technologists is between Kes. 25,957 to Kes. 56,034.

Apart from being able to work in the formal employment, a diploma in pharmacy equips you with the skills you need to open a medical store. With practicing certificates, pharmacy technicians can open dispensing chemists to offer accessible healthcare in their communities. So, yes, pharmacy is a marketable course with diverse employment opportunities in formal and self-employment.

Final Word

The demand for medical professionals continues to grow locally, regionally, and globally. There is a growing need for qualified personnel to deliver holistic drug dispensing services. The diploma in pharmacy is a good programme for students interested to work in the pharmaceutical sector. It’s a marketable course offered in different colleges as discussed in the article.