What Math Courses Are Required To Be a Pharmacist?

Pharmacy School Prerequisite Math Courses

It's common for PharmD programs to require some math before enrollment.

Most schools require three or four math credits while some require as many as 10 to gain admission.

Common math requirements to become a pharmacist include statistics and calculus.

Your program of choice might also ask students to take precalculus.

Some programs even ask students to complete courses that combine math and science (ex. calculus for the life sciences) or math and the sciences (ex. economics).

Pharmacy School Math Curriculum

Pharmacy programs typically ask students to take fewer math courses after gaining admission.

However, depending on the program, you might encounter some math.

For instance, your program could have a course focused on pharmacy calculations that teaches the math skills pharmacists need in practice.

Pharmacokinetics is a course that explores the use of mathematical modeling for drug dosages.

If you find a program for high school graduates that delivers both a bachelor's and a PharmD degree, courses like calculus, statistics, and pharmacokinetics might be a part of the curriculum.

Pharmacy Non-Math Requirements

While math is an important component of a pharmacy program, many other subject areas contribute to a student's success, including those in the sciences and humanities.

Non-Math Pharmacy School Prerequisites

Pharmacy programs require students to attain about 30 to 70 credits' worth of prerequisite courses in areas of study like science, English, and the social sciences.

Prerequisites you might encounter include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemistry
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Ethics
• Humanities
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Behavioral Science
• Psychology

Most schools require chemistry, biology, and English composition as prerequisites while foreign languages, ethics, and computer science are less common.

Non-Math Pharmacy School Course Requirements

Once students have been admitted to a PharmD program, they'll need to complete numerous non-math courses.

The pharmacy curriculum following enrollment might include:

• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Immunization Training
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Clinical Laboratory Medicine
• Clinical Microbiology
• Patient-Centered Care
• Pharmacotherapy
• Community Practice
• Pharmaceutics
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Pharmacy Skills Development
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Applied Therapeutics
• Pharmacy Law
• Clinical Foundations
• Self-Care
• Pharmacy and Business

How to Become a Pharmacist

Becoming a pharmacist involves a bit more than fulfilling pharmacy math requirements.

Find out what you must do to begin a career in pharmacy.

1. Take Prerequisite Courses

Your first step is to ensure you take all prerequisites, including math courses like calculus and statistics and science courses like chemistry and biology.

Some programs allow students who have not earned an undergraduate degree to apply as long as they have completed required pre-pharmacy courses.

2. Gain Pharmacy Experience (Recommended)

Though not always required, some PharmD programs recommend that applicants acquire pharmacy experience before applying.

Pharmacy experience exposes students to the pharmacy setting and helps them develop relationships that can benefit them professionally.

3. Enroll in an Accredited Pharmacy Program

After completing your prerequisites, it's time to enroll in your chosen accredited pharmacy program.

The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) is a system US pharmacy schools participate in that allows students to apply to multiple programs simultaneously.

Once you find the programs that align with your preferred tuition, location, and coursework, you're set to apply directly with your schools of choice or use PharmCAS to apply.

Make sure you meet your program's GPA requirements, and be prepared to submit an essay and letters of recommendation.

You might also have to participate in a virtual or phone interview.

4. Complete the PharmD Program

The steps to completing your chosen PharmD program will depend on your school's degree requirements.

Depending on the PharmD school you select, your program could last as few as three and a half years for an accelerated program, four years for a traditional program, and six years for a bachelor-to-PharmD program.

Some programs also require enrollees to complete introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs) and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs).

Others might require a clinical clerkship, which is similar to the IPPE and APPE in that students learn in practice-based settings.

5. Get Licensed and Start Working

Before you can begin working as a pharmacist, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).

This test, which assesses examinees' general practice knowledge, is taken shortly after students graduate from a college of pharmacy and receive their degree.

While this test is a pharmacist licensure requirement, it's not the only one.

You should check with your state's board of pharmacy to learn about additional licensure requirements.

Once you've met licensure requirements, you're ready to begin working as a pharmacist.

The most common workplaces for pharmacists are drug retailers and pharmacies, followed by hospitals and ambulatory healthcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Pharmacist

Do you want to learn more about becoming a pharmacist? Review the following frequently asked questions.

How Hard Is Math in Pharmacy?

The difficulty of math courses required to gain admission to and graduate from pharmacy programs depends on your experience with the subjects.

What is the Difference Between a PharmD and an RPh?

A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is what individuals earn to become licensed, practicing pharmacists.

A registered pharmacist (RPh) is a professional who has earned a PharmD degree and is registered to practice pharmacy.

Can I Practice Pharmacy with a PhD?

No. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree prepares students with a pharmacy background to work in academic or research settings.

Students must possess a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree to become pharmacists and work with patients.

Start a Pharmacy Program Today

After meeting all pharmacy math requirements and other prerequisites, it's time to enroll in a PharmD program.

Explore pharmacy colleges in your area today to locate a program that aligns with your academic and professional goals.