UM Bandung's Pharmacist Programme Strengthens Not Just Science, But Ethics

For many Pharmacy graduates, continuing professional education is a crucial step in preparing to enter the workforce. Beyond seeking a quality campus, prospective students also consider a learning environment capable of shaping professional competence and character. These considerations led Zakiatun Nufus to choose the Pharmacist Professional Study Programme at Universitas Muhammadiyah Bandung. She believes professional study is not merely about pursuing a title, but a process of shaping oneself into a pharmacist ready to serve the community. “I saw that the lecturers at UM Bandung have excellent educational backgrounds. The majority are graduates of well-known state and private universities in Indonesia. That was one of the reasons I was confident to study here,” she said while undergoing practical work at the Cisarua Psychiatric Hospital in West Bandung Regency. The student, affectionately known as Kia, admitted to experiencing an interactive learning atmosphere from the start of her lectures. Lecturers not only delivered theory but also shared practical experiences that helped students understand the challenges of the working world. She also felt a positive impression through the available learning facilities. Complete laboratories and continuously developed practical facilities support students in optimally honing their professional skills. According to Zakia, one of the advantages of UM Bandung’s Pharmacist Professional Study Programme is the strengthening of Al-Islam Kemuhammadiyahan values. This reinforcement serves as an important foundation for students in understanding professional ethics when providing services to the community. “In my opinion, that is the advantage of UM Bandung’s Pharmacist Programme. We don’t just learn about medicine and pharmaceutical services, but we are also equipped with a religious understanding related to professional ethics,” she said. During her professional education, Zakia also felt the intensive support from the campus. Before undergoing the Pharmacist Professional Practical Work, students receive preparation to face various situations in the practice setting. She is currently undergoing practical work at the Cisarua Psychiatric Hospital, West Bandung Regency. The practical activities, which run from Monday to Friday, are part of the process of shaping professional competence as a prospective pharmacist. Preparation for the Indonesian Pharmacist Competency Exam is also carried out in stages. Academic lecturers and practitioners regularly invite students to discuss, review cases, and practice questions to improve exam readiness. “So, we are not left to fend for ourselves. Before undergoing practical work or facing the Indonesian Pharmacist Competency Exam, we receive various briefings, mentoring, and intensive discussions with lecturers,” said the cum laude graduate of the Pharmacy Programme at STIK Siti Khadijah Palembang with a GPA of 3.57. Based on this experience, Zakia is optimistic that the prospects for the pharmacist profession remain wide open. Professional graduates have career opportunities in hospitals, community health centres, pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical wholesalers, health offices, and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency. Beyond working in various institutions, pharmacists also have the opportunity to become entrepreneurs by establishing their own pharmacies in accordance with professional regulations. Therefore, she encourages Pharmacy graduates who are still hesitant to immediately continue their professional education. “If you want to pursue a career as a pharmacist, don’t hesitate to continue your professional education. Besides being a legal requirement for practice, the career opportunities are also very broad,” she said.