Pharmacy Practice Faculty Publications

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

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2008

Journal Title

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education

ISSN

1553-6467

Volume

72

Issue

2

First Page

1

Last Page

6

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.5688/aj720222

PubMed ID

18483590

PubMed Central® ID

PMC2384197

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.

Keywords

Career choice, diversity, student recruitment, adult, career choice, continental population groups, decision making, education, pharmacy, female, Florida, Georgia, humans, male, pharmacists, questionnaires, schools, pharmacy, students

Comments

Article 22

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS