Math is an important component of pharmacy education and practice. While some find math more challenging than others, with dedication and hard work, math skills can be developed to meet the demands of a pharmacy career.
Is pharmacy school math hard?
Pharmacy school requires students to take math-heavy courses like pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics, and pharmacy calculations. These courses involve complex mathematical concepts and problems. Many students find these courses quite difficult compared to other pharmacy courses.
According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy in 2020, 29% of pharmacy students reported struggling with calculations and math. Another study published in 2018 found that pharmacy students perceived calculations and mathematics as the most difficult part of the pharmacy curriculum.
The math required in pharmacy school goes beyond basic arithmetic. Students must have a solid foundation in algebra, calculus, statistics, and trigonometry. Courses often build upon previous mathematical knowledge, so gaps in foundational skills can present challenges.
Additionally, pharmacy math applies mathematical concepts to medication-related problems like dosing, concentrations, delivery rates, etc. Translating math skills to pharmacy practice situations takes time and practice for many students.
Reasons pharmacy school math can be difficult
- Requires recall of previous advanced math knowledge
- Involves complex calculations and mathematical concepts
- Math skills must be applied to medication-related problems
- Often builds upon gaps in foundational math skills
- Quantitative reasoning skills take time and practice to develop
Do pharmacists need to be good at math?
Yes, pharmacists use math extensively in their daily work. Strong math skills are essential for succeeding as a pharmacist.
Some key ways pharmacists use math include:
- Dosage calculations – Correctly calculating drug dosages for patients of all ages and sizes
- Concentrations – Preparing solutions of correct drug concentrations and dilutions
- Conversions – Converting between measurement units (mg to mL, lbs to kg, etc)
- Metrics – Understanding and applying metrics like rates, ratios, percentages, etc.
- Statistics – Analyzing data, risks vs. benefits, interpreting drug studies
- Business operations – Tracking inventory, managing budgets, analyzing profitability
Pharmacists must perform these types of calculations quickly and accurately to prevent medication errors and safely treat patients. Those with stronger math skills will generally find it easier to perform pharmacy duties.
Pharmacy settings requiring strong math skills
- Hospital pharmacy
- Compounding pharmacy
- Pediatric pharmacy
- Oncology pharmacy
- Nuclear pharmacy
- Long-term care pharmacy
How can you improve at the math skills needed for pharmacy?
Here are some tips for building up the math proficiency required for pharmacy school and a pharmacy career:
Review foundational concepts
Ensure you have a strong grasp of foundational math like fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, algebra, and calculus. Use online resources or tutoring to fill in any knowledge gaps.
Practice regularly
Practice pharmacy math calculations every day. The more problems you work through, the more instinctive it will become.
Use flashcards
Make flashcards for formulas, conversions, drug dosages, etc. Drill them frequently to commit key information to memory.
Study with others
Form study groups to work through difficult practice problems together. Discussing concepts with peers helps deepen understanding.
Utilize online tools
Websites like PharmacyCalculations.com have videos and practice problems tailored to developing pharmacy math skills.
Get a tutor
Consider hiring a tutor experienced in pharmacy math. They can provide personalized guidance on concepts you’re struggling with.
Be patient
It takes time and practice to build skills. Stick with it through the challenges and your math abilities will strengthen.
Are there resources to help with pharmacy math?
Yes, many resources are available to help pharmacy students and pharmacists improve their math skills:
Textbooks
- Pharmacy Calculations for Technicians
- Calculations for Pharmacy Technicians
- Mastering Pharmacy Math
- Basic Pharmacy Calculations
Online courses
- Pharmacy Math for Technicians (free course on Canvas)
- Pharmacy Calculations (LinkedIn Learning course)
- Pharmacy Math and Dosages (Udemy paid course)
YouTube tutorials
- PharmacyCalculations
- PharmMath Made Easy
- RxCalculations
- Pharmacy Technician Math
Practice sites
- PharmacyCalculations.com
- RxCalculations.com
- Pharmacy Math Practice Problems (CalculatorSoup)
Tutoring services, professional pharmacy organizations, and pharmacy schools also provide math assistance resources. Take advantage of the wealth of available tools.
What math courses are required for pharmacy school?
While specific course requirements vary by pharmacy school, here are some typical math-related courses required:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Calculus | Typically 1-2 semesters of calculus focusing on concepts like limits, derivatives, integrals |
| Statistics | Covers statistical analysis, evaluating drug literature, study design |
| Biochemistry | Applied chemistry including calculations, concentrations |
| Pharmacokinetics | Mathematical modeling of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion |
| Pharmacy Math | Focused practice with pharmacy calculations, dosages, measurements |
General education math, physics, biology, and chemistry classes also help build a foundation for the more complex math used in pharmacy coursework.
What math skills are needed to pass the NAPLEX?
The NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) tests math skills relevant to pharmacy practice. You must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
- Basic math fundamentals – fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages
- Algebra – solving equations and formulas
- Calculations – dosages, dilutions, concentrations, conversions between systems
- Statistics – mean, median, mode, interpreting drug studies
- Logic and quantitative reasoning – analyzing data, probabilities
Approximately 10% of NAPLEX questions relate to performing pharmacy calculations. Reviewing math concepts assessed on the exam is critical for passing.
NAPLEX math topics to focus on
- Measurement systems – metric, household, apothecary
- Dosage calculations
- Concentrations
- Dilutions
- Alligation
- Flow rates
- Conversions
- Interpreting and analyzing quantitative data
What math concepts are used in pharmacy practice?
Key mathematical concepts utilized regularly in pharmacy practice include:
Percent and ratios
Used for calculations involving:
- Concentrations as parts per million, percentage weight/volume
- Compounding ingredients in correct proportions
- Patient adherence and prescription refill rates
- Business metrics like profit margins
Fractions and decimals
Used for:
- Precise dosing measurements, especially for pediatrics
- Dividing doses and tablets
- Dilutions involving fractions of solutions
Algebra
Used for solving:
- Dosage calculations based on patient weight, concentration, duration
- IV flow rates based on volume, time, and medication amount
- Equation-based pharmacokinetic models
Statistics
Used for:
- Analyzing clinical trial data
- Evaluating risks and benefits
- Determining epidemiology and population health statistics
Logic
Used for:
- Drawing sound conclusions from quantitative data
- Checking work and avoiding calculation errors
- Determining appropriate dosing regimens
What tips can help improve math skills for pharmacy?
Tips to help develop strong math skills for pharmacy practice include:
- Practice math daily whether through workbooks, online drills, real-life examples
- Use flashcards to memorize key formulas, conversions, and measurement equivalents
- Double check all calculations, especially involving measurements
- Use metric measurements as much as possible for consistency
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing
- Make math part of your daily pharmacy workflow
- Participate in continuing education math courses
- Learn to use pharmacy-specific calculation tools effectively
How can pharmacists stay sharp with math skills?
Pharmacists can maintain and strengthen their math abilities through:
- Regular practice with pharmacy calculations
- Participating in pharmacy math CE courses
- Using tools like calculators or computer programs to check manual calculations
- Having peers double check high risk or complex calculations
- Creating documentation aids like charts, formulas sheets, flashcards
- Reviewing math concepts if taking on new roles or medications
- Staying up to date on mathematical approaches to dosing or pharmacokinetics
- Making medication-related math part of your daily routine
Strong math skills require ongoing practice and refinement. Proactively look for ways to incorporate pharmacy math into your professional development.
Conclusion
Math is an integral part of pharmacy education and practice. While math courses and concepts can be challenging for some, mathematical skills can be strengthened with time and dedicated practice. A wide range of resources exist to help pharmacy students and pharmacists improve their capabilities.
Building competency with the specific types of calculations required in pharmacy is critical for providing safe, effective patient care. Approaching math as an essential component of professional development rather than an obstacle can help set pharmacy students and pharmacists up for success.