What high school courses should i take to become a pharmacist?

Question

im a 14 year old freshman about to go into high school that wants to become a pharmacist

what courses do you recomend i take the next 3 years after my freshman years. and maybe things i should do outside of school

i've already selected classes for 9th grade and they are:

algebra 1

normal science(didn't have a choice)

honors english

honors spanish 2

history

P.E 1&2(recomended)

i'm a female if that changes anything

P.S. if you could please recommend some great Universities in the Eastern part of the U.S

Answer 1

You need to talk with your counselor so they can help you set up a strong science and math background for high school.

What this will do is help you to develop your academic base in preparation for college. In college you will be taking chemistry courses - primarily as well as math courses - either direct or application based.

Make yourself as strong as you can in science in math - that will make the difference - you don't have to worry about knowing the exact courses of the top of your head now - that is what your high school counselor is for - your counselor should be able to pull out some books / catalogs / or binders and show you what courses that are available to you at your school that you should take and help you to plan it out - that is their job - that is why they are there to help you to plan out your academic focus to prepare for life after completion for high school. If that counselor does not help then you go to another - you may also have some science teachers who will be more than happy to assist you.

I (and some of my colleagues) have help student plan out their curriculum, fill out college applications, fill out student aid forms, etc. Of course the goal is for our students to do well and attend college, vocational college, junior college, trade school, military, - some form of education to improve the quality of their life.

You may need to check into the military - they have some great programs with sending people to school - in particular to get doctors (medical / pharmists / dentists, etc.) It is my understanding that by the time you finish high school this current war should be over.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Here is a website for general career information:  http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'pharmacists' or such.

The prerequisite course (perhaps college level) requirements are generally heavy in the sciences -- biology, chemistry, biochemistry and such.  I'm sure that pharmacy school is quite competitive.

Answer 3

You'll need a strong background in science and math, so I'd focus on getting as many classes in those areas as you can. Beyond that, just be sure to work hard and get good grades because you will need a strong academic background to do a pre-pharmacy curriculum in college and then to get into grad school. One of my college roommates was pre-pharm and she had really demanding courses every semester - she studied more than anyone I ever knew, and it was mostly chemistry and other science classes. Good luck!