How to Become a Pharmacist in Malaysia: Complete Career Guide (Courses, Qualifications & Prospects)
Pharmacists (Pharmacist) play a crucial role in the modern healthcare system. They are not only drug experts but also assist patients with medication safety, participate in drug development, and provide scientific basis for medical decisions. In Malaysia, pharmacy is a regulated profession that requires a series of academic, internship, and examination certifications to enter the field.
This article will guide you step-by-step on how to become a qualified Malaysian pharmacist, from SPM to official registration and practice. Suitable for SPM graduates, university applicants, parents, and education consultants.
1. Why Choose Pharmacy as a Career Path?
Choosing to become a pharmacist offers several compelling reasons to consider:
- High specialization and respect: Requires legal regulation, high professional standards, stable social status
- Wide employment scope: Covers hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, government units, research and education
- Excellent salary and benefits: Especially in private hospitals and large pharmacy chains, high starting salaries
- Relatively stable working hours: Compared to doctors and nurses, fewer shifts, relatively manageable pressure
2. What Qualifications Must a Pharmacist Have?
In Malaysia, pharmacy is a profession regulated by the Poison Act 1981 and Registration of Pharmacists Act 1951. To become a qualified pharmacist, you must complete the following path:
3. Standard Path to Becoming a Pharmacist: From SPM to Registration
Step 1: Complete SPM or O-Level
You must have a science background, especially studying the following subjects:
| Subject | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | At least C |
| Biology | At least C |
| Mathematics/Additional Mathematics | At least C |
| English | At least C |
Step 2: Study Pre-University Courses (Foundation / A-Level / STPM)
| Option | Duration | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation in Science | 1 year | Most private universities offer, direct pathway to their pharmacy program |
| A-Level / STPM | 1.5-2 years | Can apply to local or overseas universities |
| Matriculation | 1 year | Only for public universities |
The key is that it must include Chemistry and Biology as core subjects.
Step 3: Study Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
| Content | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years full-time (including internship) |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Recommended Universities | Universiti Malaya (UM), UKM, USM, IMU, MAHSA, Taylor's, UCSI, etc. |
| Course Content | Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Human Physiology, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacy Management, Clinical Pharmacy, etc. |
| Internship Arrangement | Fourth year generally includes 6-12 months of field internship in hospitals, community pharmacies, or pharmaceutical factories |
| Accreditation | Program must be accredited by Pharmacy Board Malaysia (PBM) |
4. Post-Graduation Practice Requirements
1. Complete One Year Internship (Provisionally Registered Pharmacist, PRP)
- Intern for one year in government hospitals or private pharmacies
- During internship, you are a "Provisional Registered Pharmacist"
- Must submit assessment reports and evaluation documents during the period
- Training premises must be approved by PBM
2. Pass Pharmacist Practice Examination (Forensic Examination)
This examination is conducted during the internship period, testing your understanding of pharmaceutical regulations. Usually passed on first attempt, but can be retaken.
3. Obtain Full Registration (Fully Registered Pharmacist, FRP)
After successfully completing PRP and the examination, you will become a Fully Registered Pharmacist (FRP) and can practice freely in various types of healthcare institutions or companies in Malaysia.
5. Pharmacy Curriculum Overview (General Course Modules)
| Year | Main Learning Content |
|---|---|
| First Year | Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Introduction to Pharmacy |
| Second Year | Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Microbiology, Public Health, Pharmaceutical Technology |
| Third Year | Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacotherapeutics, Drug Management & Regulations, Research Methods |
| Fourth Year | Internship (Hospital, Pharmacy, or Pharmaceutical Factory), Final Year Project/Thesis |
6. Pharmacist Work Fields and Career Development
Pharmacist employment is not limited to pharmacies and can involve multiple fields:
| Field | Responsibilities & Prospects |
|---|---|
| Hospital Pharmacist | Work in government or private hospitals, responsible for dispensing, medication consultation, patient education |
| Community Pharmacist | Provide drug sales, consultation, OTC medication guidance in retail pharmacies |
| Industrial Pharmacist | Engage in drug manufacturing, quality control, product registration, research and development |
| Clinical Pharmacist | Deeply participate in medical teams, develop medication plans for individual patients |
| Administrative & Regulatory Agencies | Join National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) or Ministry of Health, regulate drug registration and policy implementation |
| Education & Academia | Teach at universities or research institutions, engage in pharmaceutical research |
7. Pharmacist Salary and Career Prospects
Average Salary Reference (Monthly):
| Experience Level | Public Sector | Private Sector (Hospital/Pharma/Pharmacy) |
|---|---|---|
| PRP Intern Pharmacist | RM 2,000 RM 3,000 | RM 2,500 RM 3,500 |
| FRP Registered Pharmacist | RM 3,000 RM 4,000 | RM 3,500 RM 7,000+ |
| Experienced (5+ years) | RM 5,000+ | Can reach RM 10,000+, especially in management positions |
Pharmacist career prospects are very stable. With increasing healthcare demands and an aging population, pharmacy remains one of the hot professions for the next few decades.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I become a pharmacist without studying Biology in SPM?
It's recommended to retake the exam or choose pre-university courses that include Biology, otherwise it will be difficult to enter pharmacy programs in the future.
2. Is Pharmacy difficult to study?
The content covers chemistry, physiology, and regulations, requiring high understanding and memory, but the course structure is clear and achievable for those with determination.
3. Can Malaysian pharmacists practice abroad?
Yes, but you need to pass local practice qualification examinations (such as UK's GPhC, Australia's AHPRA, etc.). Some countries recognize Malaysian pharmacy degrees.
4. Can pharmacists start their own business?
Yes! Many pharmacists operate their own pharmacy chains (like Guardian, Caring Pharmacy) or online health supplement platforms after registration.
US 13033 
GB 10304 
CA 9326 
AU 9268 
IE 5849 
NZ 4815 
BR 2017 
SG 974 
