Becoming a pharmacist requires completing a doctorate of pharmacy, called Pharm.D. Some Pharm.D. programs mandate a bachelor's degree for admission, while others require a two-year pre-pharmacy major. People interested in becoming a pharmacist must successfully complete specific college-level courses in science and math for admission to the doctorate program. High school students interested in a pharmacy career should take similar classes, so they are fully prepared to do well in these types of courses in college.

Biology

Because biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology and biopharmacy are required in college or in pharmacy school, high school students should take as many biology courses as possible.

Chemistry

Chemistry is heavily emphasized when studying to become a pharmacist, including at least four semesters of chemistry at the college level, along with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology in pharmacy school. High school students should take as much chemistry as they can.

Math

High school students planning to be pharmacists should take at least three years of math, including algebra, geometry and calculus.

Business

Aspiring pharmacists must learn pharmacy law and pharmacy management, so any business courses available in high school are recommended as well.

Considerations

High school students interested in a pharmacy career must avoid illegal drug use. Pharmacists are not allowed to have any drug-related convictions on their legal records.