KazNMU is Kazakhstan’s leading university in the field of medical and pharmaceutical education. Its Faculty of Pharmacy, established in 1951 and transformed into the School of Pharmacy (SP) in 2017, has become part of the modern pharmaceutical industry, the first in the republic to train pharmaceutical personnel with a rich history and traditions.
According to the new State Program for the Development of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020-2025, the primary task is to update educational programs based on professional standards. The educational program, developed on the basis of the Professional Standard, reflects the key professional competencies and powers of graduates to carry out pharmaceutical activities.
The disciplines presented in the Catalog of Elective Disciplines correspond to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and include issues of environmental sustainability, education, scientific research, and social impact indicators.
Graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy work in the healthcare system, pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and related industries, from the creation and production of medicines to their distribution to the population of the republic. Many of them work in state structures at the republican and regional levels. Among them are many candidates, doctors of pharmaceutical sciences, directors of pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy managers, and teachers at medical universities and colleges. Graduates of the School of Pharmacy work in all regions of Kazakhstan, the CIS countries, Europe, Asia, the USA, and Canada.
Students of the School of Pharmacy regularly win international competitions, participate in research projects, and undergo internships abroad. An important area of work remains interaction with global pharmaceutical schools, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and the development of practice-oriented programs.
The School of Pharmacy offers educational programs in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
The Pharmaceutical Production Technology program covers issues related to the development and production of innovative pharmaceuticals, biotechnological and radiopharmaceuticals.
Graduates of the bachelor’s program who have studied this educational program will fill vacant positions not only in pharmaceutical production, but also in the chemical, food, cosmetics, and other related industries, where specialists in technology and engineering are in demand.
Graduates of the Pharmacy educational program are in demand at:
— medical and pharmaceutical enterprises and organizations involved in the distribution of medicines;
— testing centers, laboratories for quality control, standardization, and certification;
— chemical and toxicological laboratories of the center for forensicmedicine, toxicological centers at emergency hospitals;
— reference and information centers, information andanalytical centers;
— educational, scientific, and other organizations related topharmacy;
— regulatory and expert bodies of the Ministry of Health.
The programs of the KazNMU School of Pharmacy are constantly updated to keep pace with the latest global trends and innovations in the pharmaceutical industry. Students are taught using modern educational programs that include theoretical and scientific knowledge, as well as practical skills necessary for effective work in the future.
The university is proud of its partnerships with leading educational institutions, such as St. Petersburg State University of Chemical Technology, as well as universities in Russia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine, which allows KazNMU students to apply best practices and exchange experiences with international colleagues.
The educational programs “Pharmaceutical Production Technology” and “Pharmacy” at KazNMU named after S.D. Asfendiyarov are popular among those who have decided to pursue a career in pharmacy. This year, 223 people enrolled in the “Pharmaceutical Production Technology” program, of which 180 will study on a grant and 43 on a contract basis. The Pharmacy program enrolled 70 students, 18 of whom will study on a grant and 52 under contract. The duration of study for the Pharmaceutical Production Technology program is 4 years, and for the Pharmacy program, 5 years.
Students enrolled in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Production Technology educational programs choose their further study paths after their second year, based on the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
On the initiative of the dean of the School of Pharmacy, Professor Sakipova Z.B., the educational program B085 – “Pharmacy” with a reduced duration of study on a paid basis is being actively introduced at KazNMU named after S.D. Asfendiyarov. This program is offered to candidates who have completed a pharmaceutical education at a college (TIPO) or other higher education institution. The duration of study is from 2 to 3 years, depending on the previous level of education and its profile. For example, graduates of OP TFP study for 2 years, and those who have completed TIPO (pharmaceutical department of a medical college) study for 3 years.
An individual study plan is drawn up for each student enrolled in a shortened program, depending on their previous level of education and the subjects they have mastered at that level. A commission consisting of experienced teachers and its chairperson conducts interviews on relevant subjects. Applicants who have achieved a passing score are enrolled in the Pharmacy program with a reduced term of study.
This option is becoming popular because it allows students to combine university studies with work in their field. This academic year, 104 applicants enrolled in the Pharmacy program with a reduced duration of study.
For those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Production Technology, the option of a reduced 2-year bachelor’s program in Pharmacy is particularly attractive. In this case, graduates receive two bachelor’s degrees in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Production Technology. Such graduates are in high demand and are versatile: they can work in healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing.
The teaching staff of the School of Pharmacy includes highly qualified specialists from KazNMU named after S.D. Asfendiyarov with academic degrees and titles. Renowned foreign lecturers and experts from the CIS countries, Europe, the USA, and Asia are also invited to give lectures, conduct seminars, and practical classes.
Bachelor’s degree graduates can continue their education in a master’s program: in a scientific and pedagogical format for 2 years and in a specialized master’s program for 1 year. After completing their master’s degree, those who wish to pursue scientific or teaching activities have the opportunity to enroll and study in a doctoral program.
Educational programs at all levels in the specialties of “TFP” and “Pharmacy” are constantly being improved to ensure that their content meets modern requirements and the needs of employers. Every year, an analysis of labor market needs is conducted, the competencies of graduates are updated, and joint decisions are made to improve the quality of training for specialists who can work effectively in the modern pharmaceutical industry.
Regular meetings with employers provide an opportunity to discuss trends in higher education in the field of pharmacy: global approaches to teaching, the use and integration of technology, increasing creativity, the spread of mobile technology, active project work, and education without borders and mobility.
The pharmaceutical industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan is actively developing, and, of course, it needs qualified specialists who will bring the industry to an innovative level. The S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University is preparing a generation of such specialists who have the knowledge to develop and produce competitive drugs.
The development program of the S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University for 2024-2028 sets new tasks for the university and the School of Pharmacy to achieve its strategic development goals. Further improvements in technological equipment and educational programs are planned. The School of Pharmacy has a practical skills center and a simulation center equipped with modern equipment. A Center for Pharmacy and Pharmacology has been established to conduct innovative research.
