Influences on Pharmacy Students' Decision to Pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree

Abstract

Objectives.To determine what influenced pharmacy students to pursue a career in pharmacy and how those influences varied among different racial groups. Methods. A 30-question survey instrument was developed and administered to doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students at the University of Georgia and Florida A&M University. Data were analyzed to identify differences between students at different institutions and of different racial groups. Results. Most students were encouraged by someone to pursue pharmacy. Students cited encouragement by family members, pharmacists, and students as important influences. Work and volunteer experiences were also important influences. Few students were influenced by ''career day'' events. Conclusions. Influences for pursuing a degree in pharmacy were remarkably similar across student groups. Public awareness campaigns that emphasize the benefits of the profession and programs that are designed to bring students into contact with the profession may be effective recruiting methods/ strategies.

Factors Affecting Prepharmacy Students' Perceptions of the Professional Role of Pharmacists

“…Work experience is a factor influencing prepharmacy and professional student attitudes. 8,10,13,14 The first objective of the study was to assess prepharmacy students' perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists prior to students' enrollment in pharmacy school using the theory of planned behavior and professional commitment constructs. Theory of planned behavior questions resulted in average scores between 2 and 3 (agree to strongly agree) on the majority of questions, demonstrating student knowledge of the professional roles of pharmacists.…”

“…As a result, many students have experience in a hospital or community pharmacy setting before entering pharmacy school. 8,10 Work experience is a factor influencing student attitudes toward pharmaceutical care, career aspirations, and application to pharmacy school. 8,[10][11][12][13][14][15] In a study by Siracuse and colleagues, work experience was positively associated with career aspirations of becoming a patient care pharmacist.…”

“…8,10 Work experience is a factor influencing student attitudes toward pharmaceutical care, career aspirations, and application to pharmacy school. 8,[10][11][12][13][14][15] In a study by Siracuse and colleagues, work experience was positively associated with career aspirations of becoming a patient care pharmacist. 13 In a study by Duncan-Hewitt, students' commitment to the pharmacy profession and willingness to accept more responsibility were related to the desire to provide patient-centered care.…”

Factors Influencing Pharmacy Students' Choice of Major and Its Relationship to Anticipatory Socialization

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] However, these choices may be made without much knowledge or consideration of what constitutes a career in pharmacy.…”

A Summer Pharmacy Camp for High School Students as a Pharmacy Student Recruitment Tool

“…Anderson and colleagues found that the most important factor in a student's decision to pursue a pharmacy degree was the influence of family members. 4 Knowing a pharmacist was the second strongest factor, followed by prior work experience in a pharmacy setting. Career-day events, however, were found to have little influence on a student's decision to pursue a pharmacy career.…”