Research experiences and research-related coursework in the education of doctors of pharmacy

A study assessed coursework and experiential activities of students to determine the role of research in Doctor of Pharmacy education. Questionnaires were sent to all 78 (at that time) colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States. Responses were received from 60 (76.9%), of which 57 were used, representing 139 Pharm.D. program types (entry-level, post-B.S., track-in, nontraditional). Most programs required coursework in research methodology, statistics, and drug information and literature evaluation, with research methodology required least. Although 41.0% of programs provided students the opportunity to conduct research as an elective, only 12.9% required an extensive project with data collection, analysis, and write-up. Another 6.5% required a project proposal only. Most colleges of pharmacy now offer the Pharm.D. degree, and the role of the pharmacist has also changed. Pharmacists must be able to disseminate evidence-based knowledge about drug products and drug therapy and use scientific knowledge and scholarly principles to solve problems.