Perceived benefits of the Pharm.D. as a second pharmacy degree

The perceived benefits of the Pharm.D. as a second degree was studied among pharmacists who earned the degree after the B.S. degree in pharmacy. A questionnaire was mailed to post-B.S. Pharm.D. recipients who graduated after 1968. The 224 pharmacists (72%) who responded represented 54 baccalaurate and 12 Pharm.D. programs. Sixty-seven percent had gained hospital practice experience prior to returning to school for their Pharm.D. degree. The data did not show "job dissatisfaction" to be a major factor prompting pursuit of the Pharm.D. Most initially sought the advanced degree in an attempt to gain greater patient involvement (43%). In 10 years, 51% hope to have attained some kind of administrative position, 15% desire to have combined clinical and administrative responsibilities, while 37% prefer a purely clinical position. Thirty-four percent would like to have a position in education. Most respondents in institutional practice (59.4%) and education (88.6%) felt they would not have their present position without the Pharm.D. degree. Fifty-nine percent receive an annual salary greater than $21,000 including fringe benefits. Most pharmacists who earned a post-B.S. Pharm.D. degree believe they have benefited from their advanced professional degree, both in job responsibilities and salary.