2 answers
Josphine
Student
Alaska, WI
1
Question
Asked
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How can I become a pharmacist without studying chemistry?
Chemistry is one of the course I hate and I wish I know it,how can I develop interest or can I ignore and move further?
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2 answers
Lindsay Lanz, PharmD, BCGP
Pharmacist
1
Answer
Savage, Minnesota
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find a path to a pharmacist degree (PharmD) without taking chemistry. Most programs require you to take through organic chemistry as a prerequisite for pharmacy school. You’ll also see chemistry concepts come up throughout pharmacy school, but generally not to the extent of organic chemistry. The good news is that unless you go into research or pharmaceuticals/development, you won’t really ever use the things you had to learn in those chemistry courses in your day to day work. I was also not a fan of chemistry, but knew I wanted to be a pharmacist, so I just powered through and did well enough to pass. Didn’t take any more than I had to though! Good luck!
Review the prerequisites for some pharmacy schools you would consider applying to.
Talk with an advisor about your concerns.
Lindsay recommends the following next steps:
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
29
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hello Josephine!
Becoming a pharmacist without a solid understanding of chemistry is not feasible, as chemistry is fundamental to the practice of pharmacy. Pharmacists need to understand the chemical properties of medications, their interactions, and how they affect the body. However, there are ways to develop an interest in chemistry and strategies to manage your studies more effectively. Here’s how you can approach this challenge:
1. Understand the Importance of Chemistry in Pharmacy
Role in Pharmacy: Recognize that chemistry is critical for understanding how drugs work, how to compound medications, and how to prevent drug interactions. This knowledge is essential for ensuring patient safety.
Practical Applications: Learn about real-life applications of chemistry in pharmacy, such as formulating drugs, understanding dosage forms, and pharmacokinetics (how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted).
2. Explore Chemistry in a More Engaging Way
Interactive Learning: Use online resources such as videos, simulations, or interactive courses that make chemistry more engaging. Websites like Khan Academy or Coursera may have courses that present chemistry in a more relatable way.
Relate Chemistry to Pharmacy: Try to focus on the aspects of chemistry that are directly relevant to pharmacy. For instance, studying the chemistry of drug interactions can make the subject more interesting.
3. Seek Additional Support
Tutoring: Consider finding a tutor who can explain chemistry concepts in a way that makes sense to you. A one-on-one approach can often make challenging subjects more manageable.
Study Groups: Join or form study groups with peers who are also interested in pharmacy. Collaborating with others can help make the material less daunting and more enjoyable.
4. Utilize Different Learning Techniques
Hands-On Experience: If possible, attend workshops or labs related to pharmacy. Experiencing chemistry through practical application can make the subject less abstract and more tangible.
Project-Based Learning: Engage in projects that require research on pharmacy-related topics. This can help you see the relevance of chemistry in a real-world context.
5. Connect with Professionals
Informational Interviews: Speak with practicing pharmacists to hear how they use chemistry in their daily work and how they overcame similar struggles. Understanding their journeys might motivate you to tackle the subject.
Job Shadowing: Shadow a pharmacist to gain insights into the profession and how chemistry plays a vital role in their practice.
6. Consider Alternatives within Pharmacy
Other Roles: If you find that you truly cannot engage with chemistry, consider alternative roles within healthcare that require less emphasis on chemistry, such as pharmacy technician roles or administrative positions in healthcare settings.
7. Develop a Growth Mindset
Adjust Your Attitude: Work on developing a positive mindset towards chemistry. Acknowledge that while it may not be your favorite subject, mastering it is a crucial step toward achieving your goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Set Realistic Goals: Set small, achievable goals for your chemistry studies. Celebrate your progress, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
While it's essential to learn chemistry to become a pharmacist, understanding its importance and seeking engaging ways to learn can help you overcome your challenges. By actively working on your chemistry skills and exploring its applications in pharmacy, you'll be better prepared for your future career. If, after sincere effort, you find that chemistry is still not your strength, consider exploring other healthcare pathways that might align better with your interests and skills. Good luck!
Becoming a pharmacist without a solid understanding of chemistry is not feasible, as chemistry is fundamental to the practice of pharmacy. Pharmacists need to understand the chemical properties of medications, their interactions, and how they affect the body. However, there are ways to develop an interest in chemistry and strategies to manage your studies more effectively. Here’s how you can approach this challenge:
1. Understand the Importance of Chemistry in Pharmacy
Role in Pharmacy: Recognize that chemistry is critical for understanding how drugs work, how to compound medications, and how to prevent drug interactions. This knowledge is essential for ensuring patient safety.
Practical Applications: Learn about real-life applications of chemistry in pharmacy, such as formulating drugs, understanding dosage forms, and pharmacokinetics (how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted).
2. Explore Chemistry in a More Engaging Way
Interactive Learning: Use online resources such as videos, simulations, or interactive courses that make chemistry more engaging. Websites like Khan Academy or Coursera may have courses that present chemistry in a more relatable way.
Relate Chemistry to Pharmacy: Try to focus on the aspects of chemistry that are directly relevant to pharmacy. For instance, studying the chemistry of drug interactions can make the subject more interesting.
3. Seek Additional Support
Tutoring: Consider finding a tutor who can explain chemistry concepts in a way that makes sense to you. A one-on-one approach can often make challenging subjects more manageable.
Study Groups: Join or form study groups with peers who are also interested in pharmacy. Collaborating with others can help make the material less daunting and more enjoyable.
4. Utilize Different Learning Techniques
Hands-On Experience: If possible, attend workshops or labs related to pharmacy. Experiencing chemistry through practical application can make the subject less abstract and more tangible.
Project-Based Learning: Engage in projects that require research on pharmacy-related topics. This can help you see the relevance of chemistry in a real-world context.
5. Connect with Professionals
Informational Interviews: Speak with practicing pharmacists to hear how they use chemistry in their daily work and how they overcame similar struggles. Understanding their journeys might motivate you to tackle the subject.
Job Shadowing: Shadow a pharmacist to gain insights into the profession and how chemistry plays a vital role in their practice.
6. Consider Alternatives within Pharmacy
Other Roles: If you find that you truly cannot engage with chemistry, consider alternative roles within healthcare that require less emphasis on chemistry, such as pharmacy technician roles or administrative positions in healthcare settings.
7. Develop a Growth Mindset
Adjust Your Attitude: Work on developing a positive mindset towards chemistry. Acknowledge that while it may not be your favorite subject, mastering it is a crucial step toward achieving your goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Set Realistic Goals: Set small, achievable goals for your chemistry studies. Celebrate your progress, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
While it's essential to learn chemistry to become a pharmacist, understanding its importance and seeking engaging ways to learn can help you overcome your challenges. By actively working on your chemistry skills and exploring its applications in pharmacy, you'll be better prepared for your future career. If, after sincere effort, you find that chemistry is still not your strength, consider exploring other healthcare pathways that might align better with your interests and skills. Good luck!