Prior Pharmacy Work Experience as a Predictor of Clinical and Didactic Performance for Admissions Committees

To investigate prior pharmacy work experience (PPWE) in admissions to predict clinical and didactic performance.

In this retrospective study, data from 3 cohorts, classes of 2020-2022, were collected. Multivariate regressions were conducted to determine the impact of PPWE on performance in first-year pharmacy (P1) Community Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPEs), second-year pharmacy (P2) institutional IPPEs, P2 & third-year pharmacy (P3) Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), Drug Information class and P1, P2, P3 grade point averages (GPAs).

Of 329 students, those who had PPWE (n = 210) worked as pharmacy technicians (78%), clerks, cashiers, drivers (10%), or other (12%). The majority worked in community settings (86%) and worked an average of 24 h weekly. PPWE was not associated with any pharmacy school GPAs. Those with PPWE scored 2.17 out of 100% points higher in Drug Information than those who did not. They also scored higher on P1 IPPE performance in communication and pharmacy operations skills; however, these notable differences did not continue in P2 IPPEs or OSCEs. Total hours worked in higher quartiles were also associated with increased scores in P1 IPPE communications skills, P1 IPPE pharmacy operations skills, and Drug Information course scores.

Prior pharmacy work experience modestly improved pharmacy school performance in selected areas in the P1 year, but the effect did not continue in later years. Students who had PPWE performed better in Drug Information and P1 IPPE communication and pharmacy operations skills.