Pharmacy (State Examination)

Training on the Pharmacy degree program is governed by the Regulations on the Licensing of Pharmacists and is standardised across Germany. It consists of several consecutive stages:

• A four-year university degree
• Clinical placement (8 weeks)
• Practical training (12 months)
• Pharmaceutical examination (3 parts)

Basic study stage (1st–4th academic semesters)

• A sound grounding in the natural sciences, with a focus on chemistry, biology, physics and medicine
• Intensively supervised laboratory practicals, in which the theoretical knowledge acquired is applied in a practical and clinically relevant manner
• Clinical placement – providing initial insights into professional practice (pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, etc.)

The basic study stage concludes with the first part of the pharmaceutical examination.

Main study stage (5th–8th academic semesters)

• Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry: How active ingredients are structured and specifically modified.
• Pharmaceutical biology: How natural materials are transformed into modern medicines.
• Pharmaceutical technology/Biopharmacy: How tablets, ointments and other formulations are produced.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology: How medicines work in the body.
• Clinical Pharmacy: How medicines are used correctly by patients.
• Constrained elective providing an initial insight into scientific research

This section concludes with the second part of the Pharmaceutical Examination.

The clinical placement is designed to provide an initial practical insight into:

• To familiarise students with pharmaceutical activities
• Gaining an insight into pharmacy operations and organisation
• Understanding of legal regulations
• An introduction to the technical terminology

It is undertaken during the lecture-free period under the supervision of a pharmacist.

The second stage of the examination is followed by practical training outside the university.

• At least 6 months in a community pharmacy, or optionally 6 months in another setting (e.g. hospital pharmacy, industry, etc.)
• Accompanying lectures – career-focused presentations on the topics of pharmaceutical practice and specialist areas of law for pharmacists

Part of this may also take place at a university institute.

The course concludes with three examination stages:

• First stage – after at least 2 years of study
• Second stage – after a total of at least 4 years of study
• Third stage – following practical training

Details regarding admission, the examination process and assessment are set out in the Regulations on the Licensing of Medical Practitioners and by the relevant state examination boards.