One of the most important skills a pharmacist must possess is knowing how to decipher the handwriting of a doctor, recognizing the medication and understanding any ancillary medical terms associated with the prescription. The course study of medical terminology teaches future pharmacists about the terms used in speech and written forms as well as basic vocabulary for the profession.
Most schools with a pharmacy program require an introductory course that covers the history of pharmaceuticals and the relationship of the pharmacist to patients, other medical professionals and the government. The course also allows students to get to know other health care professionals by bringing in guest speakers or taking students to working professionals as part of the course study.
One of the important skills a pharmacist must possess is verbal communication. A pharmacist must give information about medications and their uses and interview patients and give advice about medications, as necessary. For example, a pharmacist should give patients advice about the effects of medications, whether there are any potential interactions and what they should do to avoid problems. Schools often teach students about communicating with patients as well as interacting with community constituents, practicing within a hospital and any other job practices the students will eventually need in the job force. These job-related courses underscore that a pharmacy is a business.
Chemistry courses within pharmaceuticals are often series courses. The number of courses required in the series varies by college and the specific area of study, but is usually split into three to six classes. The courses cover medication chemistry, the effects of medication on the human body, potential interactions between various medications, chemistry as related to biology and any other area of chemistry deemed necessary by the school.
Pharmacists often study various diseases and problems patients might face. Part of the study relates to determining potential dangers to patients when they take specific medications as well as options. Patients might ask advice from a pharmacist rather than a doctor if they are unsure about sicknesses or potential problems. A pharmacist must understand diseases and diagnoses and give advice on medications based on the symptoms patients describe. For example, a patient might ask a pharmacist to assist in selecting an over-the-counter medication for cold or flu symptoms, and the pharmacist must assess the information to make a proper recommendation.
Pharmacy courses often include studies about alternative medicine. For example, a herb might cause interactions in prescription medications that are potentially harmful or can prevent the prescription medication from working. Pharmacists must understand how alternative medicine works, what potential problems might arise and make astute suggestions.
Every state and school will have variations in course studies and the number of credits necessary to graduate. Most require courses in chemistry related to medications, introductory pharmacy classes and working with patients. There are also some variations relating to the course names and the methods of teaching, such as referring to medical chemistry as medicinal chemistry.