Influence of Pharmacy School Experiences on Students

1
Influence of Pharmacy School Experiences on
Students Perceptions, Attitudes, Goals, and
Expectations Towards the Profession Gary M.
Levin, Pharm.D., BCPP, FCCP1, Kristin W. Weitzel,
Pharm.D.2 1Nova Southeastern University College
of Pharmacy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 2
University of Florida College of Pharmacy,
Gainesville, Florida
RESULTS
BACKGROUND
Response Rate 127 students completed the
initial survey in 1999 (100). In 2003, 83 of
109 remaining students participated (76).
Pharmacy leaders have identified student
professionalism as an important issue facing the
profession. This study evaluates the effect of
pharmacy school on many attributes that
influence students professional behavior. A
significant change in students perceptions,
attitudes, goals, and expectations towards the
profession during this time supports a role for
faculty in instilling professional values in
students during pharmacy school

• The majority of students upon entering (89)
  and completing (94) pharmacy school hoped that
  society will come to expect more from
  pharmacists.
• The majority of students chose to work
  part-time in retail pharmacies during school
  Significantly fewer students did part-time work
  in hospital than expected to prior to entering
  school (24 vs. 8).
• On a scale of 1-10 (10 most difficult),
  students expectations/opinions of pharmacy school
  coursework remained unchanged after pharmacy
  school (8.05 pre, 8.21 post).

Opinion of Pharm.D. as Sole Entry-Level Degree
Goal Upon Completion of School
Applied to Pharmacy School Because
Percentage of Respondents
Percentage of Respondents
Percentage of Respondents
P lt 0.05
P lt 0.05
P lt 0.05


OBJECTIVE
Ideal Number of Years for Pre-Pharmacy Education
Internship While in School
Overall Opinion of the Profession
To determine if the experience of pharmacy school
influences students perceptions, attitudes,
goals and expectations toward the profession.
CONCLUSIONS
Percentage of Respondents
Percentage of Respondents
Percentage of Respondents
Students goals after finishing school and
perceptions of the profession and their career
options changed after completing pharmacy school.
Further research in this area may elicit
influencing factors and help target potential
areas faculty may provide guidance to students to
assist them in developing and achieving their
career goals and hopes for the profession.
P lt 0.05
P lt 0.05
METHODS
A survey assessing students perceptions,
attitudes, and expectations of pharmacy school
was administered to entering students in 1999 and
re-administered prior to graduation (2003).