Pharmacy

What effects do medications have on our bodies? What are the different compounds of medications? And how can we produce different medications? These are some of the topics that are covered in a Pharmacy major. So, if you are someone who would love to learn all about medicine and medications, then a major in the Pharmacy industry might be something for you.

Interview with a Pharmacy student

CHANNEANG Sry (23) is a fifth year pharmacy student at the University of Health Sciences.The choice for pharmacy was both a personal and a career choice. As her mom has so many drug allergies, she wants to know more about different drugs and their side effects. Also, she always wanted a job in the medical field and thinks that a major in pharmacy offers good job opportunities.

Sry thinks that a major in pharmacy is of great value as Cambodian people seek help from a pharmacist first.

The major in Pharmacy can be a bit demanding. Sry has to study 5 – 6 days a week for 8 hours a day. Clinical pharmacy is what she likes most about the pharmacy major. This subject teaches students about the use of drugs in a practical clinical case study. Sometimes remembering a lot of names, dosages, and side effects of all the different drugs can be a bit hard for her.

With a major in pharmacy she can work in different fields, like the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacies, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and hospital pharmacies.
She thinks that biology, chemistry, and mathematics are the most important high school subjects in preparation for the pharmacy major.

Her tips for you: In high school, focus on the subjects of biology, mathematics, and chemistry, so that you are prepared for the entrance exam. Also, most documents at the university are written in French, so I recommend that you start learning the language in the first year of university or even before starting at the university. When doing a major in pharmacy, try to study as a group (3 – 4 people). You could start a discussion about the class or the case study. Lastly, pay attention in theory classes and laboratories and apply this knowledge during your internship.

The following universities offer this major:

• City University, Phnom Penh
• Norton University, Phnom Penh
• University of Health Sciences / Université des Sciences de la Santé, Phnom Penh
• University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh

_{Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.}