Title
Evaluation of Doctor of Pharmacy Program Admissions Criteria
Abstract
The admissions criteria for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program have largely remained the same for many years, dating back to an era in which the number of applicants was low and the pharmacy practice model was more limited. Pharmacists in the past were mainly relied upon for dispensing medications safely and efficiently. This practice model has changed drastically in the past 10-15 years with the advent of new and more numerous drug classes; and more extensive and comprehensive pharmacy education.
Now pharmacists are the medication experts on the health care team, providing their knowledge to physicians, patients, managed care organizations, and more. As the US population ages, and as the number of patients using multiple drug therapies increase, pharmacists will be depended upon for their drug knowledge. New pharmacy patient-care practices are also employed to help solve drug therapy problems in the US that cause hundreds of thousands of deaths and $200 billion per year.
The University of Minnesota PharmD program is highly competitive. The College of Pharmacy is ranked third in the nation and receives 1100+ applicants for 167 positions. The college is nationally recognized as a program that produces leaders of change in pharmacy practice and science. Since the college graduates 99 percent of the students admitted, the Admissions Committee considers applicants not only as potential students, but also potential pharmacy professionals.
At this time, the college is in the process of a major curriculum revision that will more align the PharmD curriculum with the changes occurring in the profession of pharmacy. Given the changes in the practice and in the curriculum, we would like to review our admissions criteria and process in tandem to reflect these changes as well.
By our estimation, we have implemented admissions criteria that are fair and appropriate. However, we have not made a systematic effort to ensure our admissions criteria and interview process are the most effective method of selecting the best future pharmacists. In addition, we have been charged by the College to incorporate an assessment of student leadership abilities into the admissions process, which is currently undeveloped.
Funding information
President's Emerging Leaders Program, 2008-2009
Suggested Citation
Anema, Sophia; Lorenz, Michele; Owens, Peyton N., III; Seiler-Peterson, Jody; Franco, Mary Vincent.
(2009).
Evaluation of Doctor of Pharmacy Program Admissions Criteria.
University of Minnesota.
Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,
https://hdl.handle.net/11299/91770.