Factors Influencing Pharmacy Students' Choice of Major and Its Relationship to Anticipatory Socialization

Abstract

Objectives. To determine factors that influenced students' choice of pharmacy as a major and assess relationships between these factors and anticipatory socialization. Methods. Two hundred fifteen freshman and sophomore students enrolled in a 0-6 doctor of pharmacy program completed a survey instrument on which they rated 6 motivational factors in their decision to major in pharmacy and answered questions related to anticipatory socialization. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to answer the research questions posed. Results. Female students ranked desire to help others as a stronger motivating factor in their decision to pursue a career in pharmacy than did male students. Caucasian students rated providing more career opportunities and providing an entry-level doctorate as stronger motivating factors for pursuing pharmacy than did Asian students. Asian students had lower levels of anticipatory socialization than other students. Students with higher levels of motivation had higher levels of anticipatory socialization. Conclusion. Results of this study provide further insight into effective recruiting strategies and recommendations for improved pharmacy education.

Factors Associated with Entrepreneurial Intentions in Doctor of Pharmacy Students

“…47 A 2010 study found female pharmacy students scored significantly higher (p < .01) on "love to help others" compared to male students as a motive for entering the profession. 74 In contrast to the current study, Lim & Envick (2013), found that men and women did not differ with regard to innovativeness. 75 One reason gender impacted general entrepreneurial intentions differentially from pharmacy entrepreneurial intention in the current study may be related to differences between gender and role identity.…”

“…Another factor at play may be anticipatory socialization, which is the "learning and knowledge intake that prepares the individual for becoming a professional". 74 A 2010 study among freshman and sophomore pharmacy students in a 0-6 year program found no significant difference between male and female pharmacy students with regard to anticipatory socialization. 74 Another reason may be that women see the business environment as more hostile to them than it is to men, discouraging them from embarking on entrepreneurial efforts.…”

“…74 A 2010 study among freshman and sophomore pharmacy students in a 0-6 year program found no significant difference between male and female pharmacy students with regard to anticipatory socialization. 74 Another reason may be that women see the business environment as more hostile to them than it is to men, discouraging them from embarking on entrepreneurial efforts. 77 If women believe the professional pharmacy environment is friendlier to women than the general business environment, it could explain why gender influenced general, but not pharmacy entrepreneurial intentions.…”

Student Characteristics Associated with Successful Matching to a PGY1 Residency Program

“…Although de Oliveira et al found similar results with applicants pursuing an anesthesiology residency, 11 other medical disciplines -including ophthalmology, 12 otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, 13 plastic surgery, 14 pediatric surgery, 15 and pediatric dental 16 17 Keshishian also found gender-based differences. 18 Regarding influences on students' selection of pharmacy as a major, female students were more likely than males to select "desire to help others" as a strong motivating factor to pursing a pharmacy career. 18 One explanation for the differences in gender in the current study is that this desire is more apparent in female applicants and may be valued by residency programs; however, this would need to be systematically evaluated.…”

“…18 Regarding influences on students' selection of pharmacy as a major, female students were more likely than males to select "desire to help others" as a strong motivating factor to pursing a pharmacy career. 18 One explanation for the differences in gender in the current study is that this desire is more apparent in female applicants and may be valued by residency programs; however, this would need to be systematically evaluated. Special considerations should be noted regarding the use of the variable "greater than 50% of interviews secured."…”