Attitudes and Perceptions of Dual PharmD/MBA Degree Program Students

Abstract

Objectives. To understand pharmacy students' reasons for pursuing a dual PharmD/MBA degree and their perceptions of the impact a dual degree will have on their careers. Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey of registered students in the University at Buffalo PharmD/ MBA program. An electronic survey was developed through collaboration with the UB School of Management and administered in January 2015. Results. A total of 23/24 (96% response rate) students who were enrolled in the PharmD/MBA curriculum responded to the survey. Respondents identified employment opportunities following graduation and career advancement as the most influential determinants in deciding to pursue an MBA degree. All respondents (100%) felt the job marketplace for pharmacy graduates is becoming increasingly difficult, 96% believe they will earn a higher midpoint salary with a PharmD/MBA, and 82% would recommend a PharmD/MBA to first year pharmacy students. Conclusion. Students are increasingly perceptive of the challenges in the current job marketplace and are taking advantage of a dual PharmD/MBA degree.

Work readiness scale for pharmacy interns and graduates: A cross-sectional study

“…Upon completing the APPE, students should have developed self-confidence and required competencies to practice independently ( Mead and Pilla, 2017 , Taylor et al, 2015 ). Marketing courses for pharmacists has been introduced early in the PharmD curriculum as well as dual PharmD/MBA programs are growing as the job market is shifting toward a service-based business model and the need for pharmacists with social and administrative skills are becoming more noticeable ( Cook, 2003 , Jacobs et al, 2017 , Perepelkin, 2017 ).…”

Career Progression of the Pharmacy/MBA Professional: Characterization and Perceptions of the Combined Degree

“…5 Our survey at UB SPPS showed 48% of PharmD/MBA students plan on pursuing some type of post-graduate training. 8 These dissimilar findings between past and present graduates are not surprising. Previously, there was a shortage of pharmacists and a limited number of individuals trained for managerial roles.…”

“…7 An MBA has become the most prevalent professional degree associated with the PharmD in the United States and recently the UB SPPS has seen a surge in the number of students participating in this dual degree program. 1,8 This may be due to the recent increase in pharmacy graduates, or that students may see the potential an MBA can have on their careers. However, the literature is sparse when it comes to graduates of combined programs in terms of career trajectories and present positions of graduates of these programs.…”

“…In a recent survey of PharmD/MBA students at UB SPPS, we found that job market competitiveness and marketability were the two most important aspects of pursuing an MBA degree. 8 Overall, approximately 80% of our pharmacy/MBA professionals would recommend an MBA in addition to a pharmacy degree. We believe an MBA or any secondary degree along with a PharmD would be beneficial for a student or current practitioner.…”

Pharmapreneur – Defining a Framework for Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy Education

“…18 Business management programs may be helpful to gain the foundational knowledge and skills frequently identified with entrepreneurs, but evidence from a sample of these dual degree students suggests the motivation stems from a desire to be more competitive in an existing job market rather than to create new business opportunities. 19 Leadership was also identified as foundational knowledge as well as a skill necessary for entrepreneurs, which CAPE identified in its own subsection of the 2013 Educational Outcomes. 3 Our panel found several characteristics typically identified with multiple leadership frameworks important for entrepreneurs.…”