How Is Math Involved in Becoming a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists Need Math for Success

Math and science are two requirements for anyone to become a Pharmacist. These skills are used daily and are vital to a pharmacist's success. From conversion of measurements to multiplication, math is a big part of the job.
If a prescription calls for ½ cup of water in 90 ml of amoxicillin, the pharmacist must be able to measure that amount to get the dosage correct for the patient.

Division

A 28-lb. baby needs a different measurement of a particular medication than a 45-lb. baby. The pharmacist has to determine the exact amount of medication the baby needs, and how to convert that into a particular measurement for the parents to give the baby. For example, if a 20-lb. baby receives 25 ml of a particular medicine, the pharmacist will use division to determine exactly how many milliliters a 28-lb. baby needs.

Multiplication

Multiplication is necessary so pharmacists can get the appropriate number of pills in a bottle for the appropriate number of days specified by the prescription. For example: if a prescription calls for three pills per day for 15 days, the pharmacist must be able to multiply three by 15 to get 45--which is the number of pills that should be placed in the bottle for the patient.