Factors that Influence the Career Choices of Pharmacy Undergraduates

Authors

  • Jennifer Silverthorne Hope Hospital, Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester M6 8HD, UK; The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
  • Gareth Price Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
  • Lyn Hanning South West Medicines Information & Training, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
  • Justine Scanlan Hope Hospital, Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester M6 8HD, UK; The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
  • Judy Cantrill South West Medicines Information & Training, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK

Keywords:

Career choice, Education-pharmacy, Pharmacists, Undergraduate

Abstract

Background: The Clinical Pharmacy Practice (CPP) course at the University of Manchester ensures students have hospital practice exposure in order to make informed career choices. This study explored influences on career choices and the impact of the CPP course.

Methods: Two questionnaires investigated career decisions, factors influencing these and attitudes towards careers.

Results: Questionnaires were collected for two consecutive year groups. Ninety-five (57%) students had made career decisions at the end of their third year. Previous work experience and the CPP course were the largest influencing factors. Starting salaries were perceived as poor in hospital although opportunities for further education and professional development were perceived as better in this sector.

Discussion: Career information may be best provided by Schools of Pharmacy. Follow-up studies with pre-registration graduates and newly qualified pharmacists are planned. Information will be sought about career expectations, satisfaction and reasons for changing jobs.

References

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Published

20-08-2003

How to Cite

Silverthorne, J., Price, G., Hanning, L., Scanlan, J., & Cantrill, J. (2003). Factors that Influence the Career Choices of Pharmacy Undergraduates. Pharmacy Education, 3(3). Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/46

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2003)

Section

Research Article

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