Obtaining a Masters in pharmacology is not an easy task but with dedication, determination, and a great vision, you can bag home a Masters in Pharmacology in the USA.
It requires a lot of time and effort to enroll in a Master’s program and a postgraduate school. Graduate programs in pharmacology shouldn’t be confused with programs in pharmacy) offer a unique take on interdisciplinary study.
Typically designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, or a similar subject, pharmacology programs introduce students to the world of drug interactions, brain chemistry, and cellular physiology.
In a way, these degrees act as a bridge from academia to industry, helping students take their theoretical scientific knowledge and apply it to the field that needs it most: healthcare.
Most graduates of the M.S. in Pharmacology programs either continue on to earn a Ph.D. (which allows them to teach or conduct more in-depth research), work at pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, or for regulatory agencies like the FDA.
What then is Pharmacology?
Pharmacology is the branch of pharmaceutical sciences that deals with the study of drugs or medication action.
Drugs can be defined as any man-made, natural, or endogenous molecule which exerts a biochemical or physiological effect on the cell, tissue, organ, or organism.
It is also a scientific discipline that studies how drugs interact with the biological structure of the body.
These disciplines usually feature the molecular basis of drug action, the actions of drugs on cells, organs, and organisms, the genetic variations in drug action, and drug discovery.
What are the Branches of Pharmacology?
There are two major branches of pharmacology as seen below:
Pharmacokinetics:
This refers to the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. Pharmacokinetics describes what the body does to a drug that is, the time taken for drugs to move into, through, and out of the body.
Pharmacodynamics:
This is the study of the molecular, biochemical, and physiological effects of drugs, including drug mechanisms of action. These effects can include those manifested within animals, microorganisms, or combinations of organisms.
Who is a Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists are knowledgeable professionals who focus their work on researching and understanding the chemical processes that take place between living organisms and different substances and compounds.
What is the difference between pharmacology and pharmacy?
A lot of people often confuse pharmacology with pharmacy. It is necessary for you to know that pharmacology is a separate discipline in the health sciences from the pharmacy. Although they are related, the relationship is that they both deal with Drugs.
Basically, Pharmacology focuses on the study of how a drug affects a biological system of the body and how the body responds to the drug.
However, this discipline encompasses the sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of drugs.
Pharmacologists are often interested in therapeutics, which focuses on the effects of drugs and other chemical agents that minimize disease, or toxicology.
While, Pharmacy is the science or practice of the preparation, formulation, and dispensing of medicinal drugs.
Why should I get a Master’s in pharmacology?
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacologist, the wellness of people should be your priority. However, there is more to that. Below are some of the reasons why you should aspire to become a pharmacologist.
- Be part of major innovations in the pharmaceutical industry,
- A Pharmacologist’s advice to patients on the right medications to take in other to get their wellness.
How can I become a Pharmacologist?
Becoming a Pharmacologist takes a lot of time, money, and hard work. Firstly you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree preferably in biomedical science, medical science, pharmaceutical science from an accredited university with a major in pharmacology.
These programs take seven to eight years to complete
Usually, the pre-requisite to getting pharmacology or related degree course are 3-A levels in chemistry, biology, and either physics or maths. Also, you will need five GCSEs A-C, including maths, English, and science.
Entry into the Pharmacology profession is highly competitive. Therefore in other not to be left behind, you have to consider an advanced degree.
This may help your chances of finding employment, especially with top pharmaceutical companies, such as Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Amgen.
In addition to the degree program, you need to take professional exams in other to get licensure so that you can identify with the relevant Pharmaceutical bodies and also gain influence.
For instance, If you are in the US, becoming a member of organizations like the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) will be a good idea.
What Skills do I need to become A Pharmacologist?
A Pharmacologist is a private or public sector. Your work hour maybe a standard nine-to-five day with longer work hours per day. So. here are the skills you require if you want to make the best out of your profession.
- Good communication skills
- Love for science and research
- Ability to think logically and analytically
- Accurate work ethics
- You must be highly creatively and solve problems
- Ability to work with a team
What is a Pharmacologist Career Prospect?
A Masters in pharmacology offers a lot of prospects for research careers in schools, companies, and general healthcare sectors. Those in the universities teach and also conduct research as well.
Others go into the product management area of the company or in areas such as marketing and medical information. They create a link between pharmaceutical companies and doctors, and patients.
How Much Do Pharmacologist Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacologists was $126,120 in May 2018.
Some of the highest-paid professionals in this field earned $140,080, as an average annual salary, working in employment services.
What are the Best Masters in Pharmacology Schools In The US?
We have made a list of 7 best masters programs in pharmacology schools In the US. So, you can choose a school that fits your demands. Each of the schools has received full accreditation.
Some of the accrediting bodies include; Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and the American Board of Clinical Pharmacology The basis of our selection of these schools are; No. of programs, Accreditation, Tuition, Student-faculty-ratio, Acceptance, and graduation rates.
Here is the list of 7 best Masters in Pharmacology schools in the US:
Indiana University:
Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana. Its tuition is $10,388 (In-state) and $34,246 (Out-of-state).
The department of Pharmacology at Indiana University makes the list of best pharmacology schools in the world.
They are offering outstanding multidisciplinary graduate education in pharmacology and toxicology.
The department also trains individuals for careers in academics, government, or the private sector.
This IU School of Medicine basic science department is nationally known for using the most current technologies to teach pharmacology and toxicology to medical and graduate students.
University of Michigan, US:
One of the pharmacology best schools in the US is the University of Michigan located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The school offers tuition of 14,402 USD (In-state), 45,410 USD (Out-of-state).
The University College of Pharmacy offers degree programs up to the Ph.D. level. UM also features dual programs in several interdisciplinary courses, including an MEng in Pharmaceutical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry.
The available Research centers in the departments include the Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, the Center for Molecular Drug Targeting, and the Center for Drug Discovery.
Also, the University of Michigan offers a number of great opportunities for students to work with leaders in the field in one of the top Pharmacology departments in the world.
Yale University:
Established in 1810. Yale University ranks #1 in the Pharmacology program among the medical schools in the USA to the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.
The school offers 3 Pharmacology Degree programs. The Pharmacology department at Yale University has a rich history of drug discovery.
Today, the department features a lot of events and seminars which includes bringing top researchers to work towards understanding and treating human disease around the world.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers 2 Pharmacology Degree programs. The department of pharmacology engages in cutting-edge research spanning many areas such as chemical biology, immunology, virology, cancer, and neuroscience.
The school large private universities divided into nine schools, five of which serve undergraduate and graduate students. JHU ranks #10 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities.
Its tuition and fees are $55,350. Also, data from 67 evaluation metrics show that Johns Hopkins University pharmacology program ranks in the Top 20 Pharmacy Schools in the United States and the Second Best Pharmacy School in Maryland.
Northeastern University:
Northeastern University’s ranks among the top 20 schools in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities.
Its tuition and fees are $53,506. At the University, students are exposed to major work experience before receiving their diplomas.
The Pharmacology department features course work, seminars, and conferences to help students gain exposure to classical approaches that have led to the development of current theories of drug action.
The department covers discipline in drugs and their early applications to the development of molecular biology and modern pharmaceutical practices.
The aim is to create experts who can utilize specialized knowledge in a variety of drug applications.
Harvard University:
It is no surprise that Harvard top the list of best pharmacology schools in the world. Ranks #2 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities.
Also, it ranks the first position for medicine, biological sciences, and psychology. Harvard University is a private research university that was established in 1636.
Harvard University has 10 departments with more than 700 Masters and about 800 Ph.D. student enrollment. Its tuition is 47,074 USD. Acceptance and graduation are 5.4% and 94%.
The pharmacology discipline in Harvard features in many of the courses offered at the College of Medicine.
The school research program focuses on areas including systems pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, and translational pharmacology.
Conclusion
The reality of becoming a Pharmacologist is not easy. However, it requires training, commitment, creative thinking, and also your ability to carry out research.
Most Pharmacologists often work in pharmaceutical companies. Others work in government agencies, healthcare, and colleges. Most times, their role focus on the development and testing of new medications.
So, their work is basically researching and understanding the chemical processes that take place between living organisms and different substances and compounds.
There are so many institutions across the world that offer Pharmacology programs. Usually, some schools combine with Pharmacy and other related biological science programs.
