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Evolution of preprofessional pharmacy curricula.
Brenda L Gleason1, Mark V Siracuse, Nader H Moniri
1St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. bgleason@stlcop.edu
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|June 22, 2013
Summary
Pharmacy schools are increasing prerequisite course requirements to enhance student quality and maturity. This trend impacts applicant numbers and academic standards in Doctor of Pharmacy programs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Higher Education Curriculum Development
Background:
- Preprofessional pharmacy education establishes foundational knowledge for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs.
- Curricular requirements for pharmacy programs have evolved over time in response to accreditation standards and professional needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in preprofessional pharmacy curricular requirements between 2006 and 2011.
- To identify the rationales and implications associated with modifications in pharmacy program prerequisites.
Main Methods:
- A review of prerequisite curricular requirements for all Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education-approved PharmD programs from 2006-2011.
- Online surveys and telephone interviews were conducted with a sample of PharmD programs.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in PharmD programs requiring 3 years of prerequisite courses or a bachelor's degree was observed between 2006 and 2011.
- Programs cited enhanced academic achievement, student maturity, and integration of clinical sciences as reasons for increasing prerequisites.
- Some institutions reported a temporary decline in applicant numbers following these changes.
Conclusions:
- The preprofessional curriculum for pharmacy programs is dynamic, with a growing trend towards more extensive prerequisite coursework.
- Increasing prerequisites may lead to a more mature and academically prepared applicant pool.
- Institutions should anticipate potential fluctuations in applicant numbers when modifying curricular requirements.
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