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PharmD or BS: does the degree really make a difference in pharmacists' job satisfaction?
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|January 5, 1987
Summary
Pharmacist job satisfaction is not significantly affected by academic degree (BS vs. PharmD). When performing similar tasks, both Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) practitioners report comparable job satisfaction levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice and Management
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The distinction between Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees has evolved over time.
- Understanding practice patterns and job satisfaction differences between BS and PharmD pharmacists is crucial for workforce planning and professional development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the practice patterns and job satisfaction of pharmacists holding a BS degree versus those holding a PharmD degree.
- To identify factors influencing job satisfaction among practicing pharmacists based on their academic background.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from the 1982 Socioeconomic Survey of California Pharmacists.
- Survey questionnaires were mailed to 2,864 pharmacists, with 1,463 returned (51% response rate).
- Analysis focused on 1,030 respondents with either a BS or PharmD as their highest degree.
Main Results:
- BS-level practitioners were more frequently found in hospital management or staff positions.
- The only statistically significant difference in job activities was the time spent on public, student, and professional education.
- Time spent on prescription processing and management activities most strongly influenced job satisfaction, irrespective of degree.
Conclusions:
- Academic degree (BS vs. PharmD) did not significantly impact overall job satisfaction.
- Job satisfaction appears to be more closely linked to specific job activities rather than the level of pharmacy degree.
- When engaged in equivalent job-related activities, PharmD pharmacists reported no greater dissatisfaction than BS pharmacists.
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