SUCCESS AND OBJECTIVE OF PRIVATE PHARMACEUTICAL UNIVERSITY; EDUCATION AND RESEARCH SYSTEM FOR PHARMACISTS AND SCIENTISTS IN
- VernacularTitle: SUCCESS AND OBJECTIVE OF PRIVATE PHARMACEUTICAL UNIVERSITY; EDUCATION AND RESEARCH SYSTEM FOR PHARMACISTS AND SCIENTISTS IN
- Author:
Toshihiro MURATA
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: SUCCESS AND OBJECTIVE
- From: Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2015;6(1):40-
- CountryMongolia
- Language:english
- Abstract: There are 56 private pharmaceutical universities (or universities with a pharmaceutical department) in Japan, or approximately three times as many national or public universities with a pharmaceutical department (17 universities). Presently, over 10,000 students a year enroll in these private universities, approximately eight times as many in national or public universities. Pharmaceutical programs in Japan have two main objectives: the education of future pharmacists, as well as scientists. All Japanese pharmacists are required to pass the national pharmaceutical examination and obtain a license for practice. To partake in the national examination, candidates must receive a diploma from a pharmaceutical department of a university. Therefore, private pharmaceutical universities produce the majority of the nation’s pharmacists, playing a central role in the Japanese medical care system.The diploma program to become a pharmacist takes 6 years, with the course of study including basic science (chemistry, biology, physics) and “cultural subjects” (second languages, philosophy, mathematics) in the first year, and “specialized subjects” including organic chemistry, biological chemistry, physiology, and pharmacology from the second year on. Pharmacognosy, as well as traditional medicines commonly used in Japan, such as Kampo or medicinal plants, also comprise a portion of the lectures students are required to take. In addition, approximately 20 lectures including experiment skills are required during the course of study for students to study scientific and pharmaceutical skills, which include introductions to synthesis of some medical drugs as well as animal testing. Because academic credit must be obtained for nearly all courses, approximately 10-30% of students either require a course repeat or drop out entirely up until the fourth year of the program. After students pass the “Objective-Structured Clinical Examination” at the end of their fourth year, students begin their practical experience at hospitals and pharmacies their fifth year. In the sixth year, students study for the national examination. Subsequently, graduates with specific knowledge and skills for working as pharmacists leave these universities and are depended on as specialists of pharmacy and drugs by the public.Education for future scientists (researchers) is another important objective of private pharmaceutical universities. Some universities include a program of study for pharmaceutical research skills over the course of 4 years. To become a researcher, students continue on to graduate school to study and conduct laboratory research in their particular specialty the 4 years following their 6 year pharmacist course, or a 2 plus 3 year course (after the 4-year undergraduate degree) for the doctorate program. Students graduating with a Ph.D have access to a large variety of job opportunities, including becoming researchers at pharmaceutical companies, universities, or pharmaceutical agencies, or professional pharmacists. These 6- and 4-year programs were initiated and adapted in 2006; prior to 2005, all university pharmaceutical programs were 4-year courses. One reason underlying this longer program is the increasing workload necessary of pharmacists, requiring more specific and clinical knowledge. The above-mentioned points are the positive aspects of the private pharmaceutical universities of Japan, which have provided many pharmacists to match the recent needs of the medical care system. On the other hand, some problems regarding this system have recently been brought to light, such as an excess production of pharmaceutical students, which may cause problems for students, universities, and the public.Due to this, continuous improvement of the programs at private pharmaceutical universities is required.
