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

Objective. To assess prepharmacy students' perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists prior to enrollment in pharmacy school, and the association between perceptions and student demographics. Methods. A 58-question survey instrument regarding pharmacists' roles, work experiences,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of pharmaceutical education 2010-11, Vol.74 (9), p.161-161, Article 161
Main Authors: Kiersma, Mary E., Plake, Kimberly S., Newton, Gail D., Mason, Holly L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beliefs, opinions and attitudes
Curriculum
Data Collection
Education, Pharmacy - organization & administration
Female
Humans
Male
Perceptions
Pharmaceutical Services - organization & administration
pharmacist
Pharmacists
Pharmacists - organization & administration
Pharmacy
Practice
prepharmacy
Professional Role
Students
Students - psychology
Students - statistics & numerical data
Study and teaching
Surveys
theory of planned behavior
Young Adult
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Summary:Objective. To assess prepharmacy students' perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists prior to enrollment in pharmacy school, and the association between perceptions and student demographics. Methods. A 58-question survey instrument regarding pharmacists' roles, work experiences, and demographics was developed and administered to students (N = 127) enrolled in an organic chemistry laboratory experience at Purdue University. Results. Theory of planned behavior subscales (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control) were influenced by students' grade point average, gender, and application to pharmacy school, while unpaid work experience affected professional commitment. Students evaluated work experience related to their pharmacy studies more positively than non-pharmacy-related areas in the theory of planned behavior subscales. Conclusions. Evaluating students' perceptions may be beneficial in helping pharmacy educators design their curricula, as well as allowing admissions committees to select the most qualified students to promote the development of positive perceptions toward the professional role of pharmacists. Grade point average (GPA) and application to pharmacy school were associated with significant differences for the theory of planned behavior and professional commitment subscales.
ISSN:0002-9459
1553-6467
DOI:10.5688/aj7409161