In a society that increasingly values health and quality of life, majors in the Health Sciences such as Pharmacy and Nursing are gaining growing interest among young people. Although both belong to the healthcare field, these two disciplines differ in their training objectives, career opportunities, and professional skills.
If you are wondering whether to choose Pharmacy or Nursing, let’s explore these two fields in detail with East Asia University of Technology (EAUT) to make the right and informed decision!
1. What are Pharmacy and Nursing?
Nursing is both a science and an art of caring for, supporting, and protecting human health, especially in disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Nurses play a vital role in providing comprehensive physical and mental care for patients, working alongside doctors and other medical professionals to ensure treatment quality. While doctors focus on diagnosis and treatment, nurses concentrate on patient care and monitoring two indispensable components of the healthcare system.
Pharmacy is the scientific discipline that studies medicines and active substances with therapeutic effects, covering all stages from discovery, formulation, testing, and distribution to usage guidance.
At its core, Pharmacy explores the relationship between drugs, the human body, and diseases to ensure effective, safe, and rational medication use.
In other words, Pharmacy serves as a bridge between natural sciences (such as chemistry, biology, and medicine) and medical practice, transforming scientific knowledge into practical treatment solutions.
2. Similarities between Pharmacy and Nursing
C both belong to the Health Sciences field, sharing the mission of caring for, protecting, and improving human health.
Below are the key similarities between the two majors:
- Both serve community health:
Pharmacists and nurses contribute to the treatment and recovery process, enhancing patients’ quality of life. - Both require a strong foundation in medical science:
Students in both fields study core subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical skills to understand the human body and disease mechanisms. - Both demand high ethical standards and compassion:
Since both professions directly deal with human health and life, practitioners must possess responsibility, accuracy, honesty, and empathy. - Both offer stable and long-term career opportunities:
Pharmacy and Nursing are among the fields with high demand for human resources, especially as the population ages and healthcare systems expand.
3. Differences between Pharmacy and Nursing
Although they share similar goals and values, Pharmacy and Nursing differ significantly in training orientation, professional skills, and career positions.
| Criteria | Pharmacy | Nursing |
| Training Objective | Research, production, management, and consulting on the safe and effective use of medicines. | Care for, monitor, and support patients throughout the treatment process. |
| Core Knowledge | Pharmacology, chemistry, biology, pharmaceutics, and drug testing. | Physiology, nursing techniques, basic medicine, and clinical care skills. |
| Job Nature | Research-oriented, analytical, and consultative. | Care-oriented, service-based, and patient-centered. |
| Work Environment | Pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, hospitals. | Hospitals, clinics, healthcare centers, nursing homes. |
| International Opportunities | High, especially in pharmaceuticals and scientific research. | Very high in countries facing nurse shortages such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea. |
Pharmacy is ideal for those passionate about science, research, and medication. Nursing suits individuals who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to direct patient care. Both careers carry deep humanitarian value and sustainable career prospects.
4. Career Opportunities in Pharmacy and Nursing
Between 2024 and 2026, the Health Sciences sector is considered one of the most stable and promising in Vietnam, especially Pharmacy and Nursing. As public health concerns rise alongside healthcare system expansion and an aging population, these two fields are becoming strategic choices for students pursuing long-term careers in healthcare.
4.1. Pharmacy Career Opportunities in Vietnam
Pharmacy today goes far beyond “selling medicine.” Pharmacists can take on diverse roles, from research, formulation, and quality testing to distribution and treatment consultation.
According to the Drug Administration of Vietnam, there are over 60,000 practicing pharmacists, while the actual demand exceeds 80,000 (under the 2025–2030 Health Workforce Development Plan). This indicates abundant career opportunities for Pharmacy graduates.
- Work in hospitals or clinics as clinical pharmacists, ensuring safe and effective drug use.
- Join pharmaceutical companies in research, production, distribution, or quality assurance (QA/QC) roles.
- Develop careers in pharmaceutical marketing and business as the industry expands.
- Start businesses in healthcare such as operating certified pharmacies or developing pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
According to the Vietnam Pharmaceutical Association (2024), newly graduated pharmacists earn an average of 10–15 million VND/month, potentially doubling after 3–5 years, especially in hospitals or large pharmaceutical enterprises.
4.2. Nursing Career Opportunities in Vietnam
Nursing is the “heart” of the healthcare system. While doctors diagnose and prescribe, nurses are the ones who care for, monitor, and support patients’ recovery.
According to the Department of Medical Services Administration (2024), Vietnam currently has only about 11 nurses per 10,000 people far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 25 per 10,000. This shows a serious shortage of skilled nurses, especially those with university degrees, foreign language ability, and professional competence.
- Work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or community healthcare facilities;
- Work in nursing homes and elderly care facilities an emerging sector in Vietnam;
- Join international cooperation programs in Japan, Germany, or South Korea countries with high demand for nurses;
- Become nurse trainers, healthcare managers, or community health project members.
According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor, newly graduated nurses earn an average of 9–12 million VND/month, while international nurses can earn up to 40–60 million VND/month.
5. Studying Pharmacy and Nursing at East Asia University of Technology
At East Asia University of Technology (EAUT), students are trained through a practical, Ministry of Health–standardized curriculum that integrates theory, hands-on experience, and medical technology applications.
EAUT’s distinctive advantages include:
- Modern, standardized laboratories and practice facilities.
- Strong partnerships with hospitals, pharmacies, and pharmaceutical enterprises, offering internship and skill development opportunities during studies.
- International career orientation programs through high-quality internship and labor export collaborations in healthcare.
EAUT students are not only trained for their profession but also guided to become ethical, competent, and adaptable healthcare practitioners ready to meet the challenges of modern society.
6. Conclusion
Both Pharmacy and Nursing are sustainable, humanitarian, and promising fields in Vietnam.
If you enjoy research and want to contribute to drug development and treatment, Pharmacy is the right choice.
If you have a compassionate heart and wish to care for others, Nursing is the ideal path.
At East Asia University of Technology, your journey toward a meaningful healthcare career begins today with dedication, knowledge, and passion.
East Asia University of Technology
Trinh Van Bo Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
Hotline: 0243.555.2008 or 024.2236.5888
Email: tuyensinh@eaut.edu.vn
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