Exploring the Pharmacy Program: A Vital Branch of Medical Sciences

Pharmacy is a top choice for new students at many universities in Indonesia. At Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), the major which falls under the medical sciences frequently attracted many high school students.

Pharmacy is a branch of science that combines health and physical-chemical knowledge. It plays a crucial role in the development of medicines, food, cosmetics, medical devices, and PKRT (Household Health Supplies). Pharmacists ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products before they reach consumers.

“Pharmacy is just about learning medications, isn’t it?”

Make no mistake! As mentioned earlier, the knowledge you will gain in the UMS Bachelor of Pharmacy study program is very broad. You will learn about medicines and the skills needed to create other pharmaceutical products in this modern era.

There are at least four compelling reasons to choose the UMS Bachelor of Pharmacy program:

• International Accreditation: UMS Pharmacy is accredited by the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance (AUN-QA).
  
• Comprehensive Laboratory: You will gain hands-on experience in a well-equipped laboratory, including drug preparation testing, halal testing, and molecular-level testing.
• Specialized Study Centers: UMS Pharmacy features two research centers: the Center for Halal Studies and the Center for Standardization of Pharmaceutical Extracts
• Opportunities for Growth: Thanks to UMS Pharmacy’s extensive network of domestic and international collaborations, you’ll have the chance to participate in student exchanges, internships, and training at prestigious universities, companies, and institutions worldwide.

You will earn a Bachelor of Pharmacy (S.Farm.) degree after completing 144 credits, equivalent to four years of study.

When you decide to study for a Bachelor of Pharmacy, you will learn various basic and applied sciences related to drugs and other pharmaceutical products, including their physico-chemical properties. Additionally, to perform effective pharmaceutical services, you will study drug management and acquire knowledge in management science, such as marketing and entrepreneurship.

Here are the basic sciences that form the foundation of your studies in the Pharmacy program at UMS:

Science of medicine: Pharmaceutical Physics, Nano Technology, Formulation Practicum and Solid Dosage Technology, Formulation Practicum and Sterile and Non-Solid Dosage Technology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Drug Stability, Formula Development Design. Halal Product Analysis.

• Science of physico-chemical properties of drugs: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry. 
• Science of natural materials as a source of medicine: Pharmacognosy, Natural Medicine, Phytotherapy.
• Pharmaceutical services: Drug specialties, Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacogenomics, Pharmacoeconomics.
• The science of cosmetics: Cosmetology, Cosmetic Analysis.
• Management science: Pharmaceutical Management, Marketing and Distribution, Disaster Mitigation Entrepreneurship.

“So, what do pharmacy graduates do for a living?”

Pharmacy graduates have very broad and diverse job prospects. You can work at various institutions, including The Ministry of Health, The Food and Drug Administration (BPOM), Pharmaceutical companies, Hospitals, The pharmaceutical industry, Drugstore. Some specific roles within these areas include:

• Pharmacist
• Researcher
• Laboratorian
• Lecturer
• Product Development Specialist
• Quality Management Team: Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA)
• Regulatory staff

After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, graduates must take the Pharmacist Professional program to officially work as a pharmacist. At UMS, the Pharmacist Professional Program can be completed within one year with fieldwork practice. This program is designed to provide the additional knowledge and skills required for professional pharmacy practice.

Technically, a pharmacist has more authority in decision-making regarding pharmaceutical issues. For example, in the context of rational medicine use, a pharmacy graduate may identify the irrational use of a drug, but only a pharmacist is authorized to make recommendations to address this irrationality.

Pharmacist Professional graduates will earn the title of Pharmacist (Apt.) and be registered as members of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI). They must also pass a competency exam held by the government to obtain a Pharmacist Registration Certificate (STRA).

If you are interested in studying pharmacy and contributing to improving the quality of public health, UMS is an excellent choice to start your academic journey. Having comprehensive facilities, international accreditation, and broad career prospects, UMS Pharmacy offers the opportunity to achieve a promising future in the pharmaceutical field.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid