Thinking about studying Biomedical Science or Pharmacy?
Deciding on what to study can be difficult.
In this article, we’ll help explain their differences and career path options.
So Biomedical Science Vs Pharmacy, Which One Should I Study?
Neither Biomedical science nor Pharmacy is better than the other. Biomedical Science offers a wider number of career options than Pharmacy, but it pays less.
Both require strong grades to get into college and hard work and good grades over a long period to achieve accreditation.
The answer to this question lies in a person’s interests in any of the two fields.
Both fields can offer a rewarding career; however, that depends on how well you can adapt to the domain you choose.
Perhaps the best way to identify and find your interests is by knowing the differences between the two fields, giving you a deeper insight.
You can then make the right decisions by keeping job prospects, salaries, and, most importantly, your interests in mind.
So let’s talk about Pharmacy
Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. They must also be licensed, which requires passing licensure and law exams.
All Pharm.D. schools require applicants to take postsecondary courses in chemistry, biology, and physics.
Although some programs require a bachelor’s degree, most programs require at least two years of undergraduate study. The Pharmacy College Admissions Test is also required by most schools (PCAT).
Pharm.D. programs typically last four years, while some institutions provide a three-year option. Some schools accept graduates of high school into a 6-year curriculum.
Chemistry, pharmacology, and medical ethics are all included in a Pharm.D. curriculum. Students also perform supervised work experiences, generally known as internships, in a variety of fields.
Pharmacists give prescription medications to patients and provide advice on how to use them safely. They may also conduct health and wellness exams, administer vaccines, supervise the administration of drugs to patients, and offer advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Pharmacists typically do the following:
- Fill prescriptions, verifying instructions from physicians on the proper amounts of medication to give to patients
- Check whether prescriptions will interact negatively with other drugs that a patient is taking or any medical conditions the patient has
- Instruct patients on how and when to take prescribed medicine and inform them about potential side effects of taking the medicine
- Give flu shots and, in most states, other vaccinations
- Advise patients about general health topics, such as diet, exercise, and managing stress, and on other issues, such as what equipment or supplies would be best to treat a health problem
- Complete insurance forms and work with insurance companies to ensure that patients get the medicines they need
- Oversee the work of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in training (interns)
- Keep records and do other administrative tasks
- Teach other healthcare practitioners about proper medication therapies for patients
So let’s talk about Biomedical Science
To do a biomedical science degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English, plus three A levels, preferably including biology and chemistry.
Certain level 3 qualifications may be acceptable such as the diploma in applied science
After students have completed their undergraduate studies, they typically enter Ph.D. programs
So what is Biomedical science?
Biomedical science is about conducting research aimed at improving overall human health.
They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Biomedical science’s job is to develop new treatments and to try to prevent health problems.
For example, they may study the link between smoking and lung cancer or between diet and diabetes.
Biomedical science typically performs the following duties:
- Design and conduct studies that investigate both human diseases and methods to prevent and treat them
- Prepare and analyze medical samples and data to investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases
- Standardize drug potency, doses, and methods to allow for the mass manufacturing and distribution of drugs and medicinal compounds
- Create and test medical devices
- Develop programs that improve health outcomes, in partnership with health departments, industry personnel, and physicians
- Write research grant proposals and apply for funding from government agencies and private funding sources
- Follow procedures to avoid contamination and maintain the safety
That being said, Biomedical science being so varied offers many interesting and challenging career options.
Career options such as Medical Sales, Senior Clinical Research Associate, and Biomedical Scientist just to name a few.
This is not an exhaustive list of career options. As you can see, not every job entails laboratory work.
- Medical research
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical sales
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Science writer
- Physiotherapy
- Dietetics
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Chiropractic
- Veterinary science
- Genetic counseling
- Patent law
- Laboratory medical scientist
- Healthcare technician
- Regulatory affairs
- Occupational health and safety
The Biomedical Science curriculum varies with many subject options, meaning as you progress the studies you can choose subjects that interest you.
Thereby tailoring your interest to a career path that you might be interested in pursuing.
If you are wondering who earns more, according to BLS.gov Biomedicine earns less at $91,510 compared to Pharmacist of $128,710 per year.
However, these data must be viewed in context and used only as a guide. Wages vary depending on a variety of circumstances, including geographic region and private vs. governmental employment.
The wages above exclude specialties or other careers mentioned in the lists above.
Final Thoughts
Both biomedical science and pharmacy share the goal of improving and potentially saving people’s lives.
Biomedical science and pharmacy are not comparable to one another. Although Biomedical Science has more job opportunities than Pharmacy, it pays less.
To get into college, you need good grades, and to get accredited, you need hard effort and good grades over a lengthy period.
Deciding on what to study is an important one.
Best to try and understand the job goal in mind before selecting courses with this end in mind.
If still unsure, select a course that you are interested in but provides a multitude of career options.
Speak with trusted friends and family, and even consult with a career consultant for advice.
Consider your strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes before deciding on the career path to study.
Speak with trusted friends and family, and even consult with a career consultant for advice.
Consider your strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes before deciding on the career path to study.
Related Articles
- Biomedical Science vs Nursing, Which Is Better? (Explained)
- Biomedical Engineering: Things You Should Know Before Studying (For Students)
- Pharmacy Vs Nursing, Which One Should I Study? (Explained)
References
- Medical Scientists: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Pharmacists: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
