Pharmacy has a long-standing tradition as both an art and a science dedicated to the preparation and dispensing of medications. The field of pharmacy is diverse, with multiple specializations and opportunities for trained pharmacists to work in various settings. At ATLAS College of Health Sciences, we provide comprehensive education and training across the following types of pharmacy:

Retail & Community Pharmacy

Retail and community pharmacies, often known as the most familiar types of pharmacies, are commonly referred to as pharmacies or chemist shops. Community pharmacists typically work in stores that provide the public with access to necessary medications and offer guidance to ensure the safe and effective use of these medicines. They advise customers on potential drug interactions, help prevent harmful combinations or side effects, assist with drug reimbursement, oversee pharmacy specialists, and manage drug inventory.

Hospital Pharmacy

Hospital pharmacies are essential facilities within hospitals, medical clinics, and nursing homes, where medications are managed to ensure optimal patient care. Hospital pharmacists collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to tailor medication regimens for the best possible patient outcomes. Their roles may include conducting clinical trials, compounding individualized doses, preparing sterile medications, and providing education on drug selection, storage, distribution, and administration. They also monitor drug levels and ensure medication safety in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Clinical Pharmacy

Clinical pharmacy services are available in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. The primary objective of clinical pharmacists is to optimize drug use and provide essential drug information to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments. They play a crucial role in predicting and preventing adverse drug reactions through their expertise.

Industrial Pharmacy

Industrial pharmacy is integral to the pharmaceutical industry, encompassing research, production, packaging, quality control, marketing, and sales of medications. Industrial pharmacists may represent pharmaceutical companies, advocating for the use of specific products and educating healthcare professionals about their benefits and applications.

Compounding Pharmacy

Compounding pharmacies specialize in creating and preparing customized medications in various forms, such as converting tablets into solutions for easier administration. Depending on their purpose, compounding pharmacists may work in community, clinical, or residential settings, and occasionally, they provide ready-made medications as well.

Consulting Pharmacy

Consulting pharmacy is a relatively new branch of pharmacy, established in 1990, focusing on the theoretical evaluation of medications rather than dispensing them. Consultant pharmacists often work in nursing homes or visit patients at home, helping them optimize their medication use.

Ambulatory Care Pharmacy

Ambulatory care pharmacists provide vital services to patients in rural areas, especially older populations, who are at higher risk of drug-related issues or complications due to uncontrolled conditions. These pharmacists offer mobile services, reducing the need for hospital visits by meeting patients wherever they are.

Regulatory Pharmacy

Regulatory pharmacy, also known as government pharmacy, involves creating and enforcing rules and regulations for the safe use of medications to promote positive health outcomes. Pharmacists in this field may work in public health or regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Pakistan.

Home Care Pharmacy

Home care pharmacy, or infusion pharmacy, focuses on preparing and delivering injectable medications to critically ill patients at home. These pharmacists may specialize in areas such as nutritional support, chemotherapy, mental health, or oncology, ensuring patients receive the care they need in a home setting.

Managed Care Pharmacy

In health maintenance organizations like hospitals, nursing homes, and extended care facilities, managed care pharmacists are responsible for planning and managing medication therapies.

Sales and Marketing

Pharmaceutical sales and marketing represent one of the most lucrative areas of pharmacy practice. National and multinational pharmaceutical companies often employ pharmacists in this sector to drive sales and promote their products.

Research Pharmacy

Research pharmacists are dedicated to developing new drugs and studying their effects, efficacy, side effects, and interactions.

Pharmacy Specialties

With advanced degrees or continued education, pharmacists can specialize in specific areas of medication therapy, gaining expertise and recognition in fields such as:

• Oncology Pharmacy
• Nuclear Pharmacy
• Geriatric Pharmacy
• Psychopharmacotherapy
• Personal Pharmacy
• Nutritional Support Pharmacy
• Hospice Pharmacy
• Pediatric Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Benefit Management
• Poison Control Pharmacy
• Forensic Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Quality Management
• Veterinary Pharmacy

These specializations represent distinct branches of pharmacy, with most specialists working in hospital settings. Their in-depth knowledge allows them to provide specialized medical information in specific scenarios.

At ATLAS College of Health Sciences, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students for success in any of these diverse pharmacy fields.