Math Requirements to Become a Pharmacist

Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to chain pharmacies to independent pharmacies. Pharmacists use math throughout their work to calculate dosages and determine ratios of various medications. The math requirements to become a pharmacist are designed to support these daily tasks.

Time frame

Pharmacists complete four years of undergraduate school and four years of graduate school to receive the Pharm.D degree, the terminal degree for pharmacists. Math is a required part of the curriculum for both levels.

Undergraduate requirements

Math requirements at the undergraduate level include College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus I and Calculus II.

Graduate requirements

Graduate school math requirements include Biostatistics and Pharmaceutical Calculations.

Considerations

Some Pharm.D programs do not count statistics courses or nonscience major mathematics courses as prerequisite math courses for admission. Prospective Pharm.D students should check with each university's program to meet specific requirements.

Significance

Pharmacists must be strong in math as they calculate dosages of various drugs based on patient weight, method of delivery (pill, infusions, IV, etc.), and in determining ratios of medications.

References

• UCSF School of Pharmacy

Resources

• American Pharmacists Association

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