Perceived Motivating Factors and Barriers for the Completion of Postgraduate Training Among American Pharmacy Students Prior to Beginning Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Abstract

Objective. To examine perceived motivating factors and barriers (MFB) to postgraduate training (PGT) pursuit among pharmacy students. Methods. Third-year pharmacy students at 13 schools of pharmacy provided demographics and their plan and perceived MFBs for pursuing PGT. Responses were characterized using descriptive statistics. Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-proportions rank tests determined if differences in perceived MFBs existed between students based on plan to pursue PGT. Results. Among 1218 (69.5%) respondents, 37.1% planned to pursue PGT (32.9% did not, 30% were undecided). Students introduced to PGT prior to beginning pharmacy school more frequently planned to pursue PGT. More students who planned to pursue PGT had hospital work experience. The primary PGT rationale was, "I desire to gain more knowledge and experience." Student debt was the most commonly cited barrier. Conclusion. Introducing pharmacy students early to PGT options and establishing work experiences in the hospital setting may increase students' desire to pursue PGT.

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Influence of the Fear of Missing Out in Student Pharmacists' Decision to Pursue Residency Training

“…6,7 When considering the motivators and barriers associated with the decision to pursue a residency, several have been identified as being influential in the process. 8,9 Identified motivators include the desire to gain additional knowledge and experience or to pursue specialized training, and wanting to pursue a specific career path that requires residency training. 8,9 Identified barriers to pursuing a residency include financial obligations, already having a job lined up after graduation that does not require completing a residency, and too much competition for pharmacy residency positions.…”

“…8,9 Identified motivators include the desire to gain additional knowledge and experience or to pursue specialized training, and wanting to pursue a specific career path that requires residency training. 8,9 Identified barriers to pursuing a residency include financial obligations, already having a job lined up after graduation that does not require completing a residency, and too much competition for pharmacy residency positions. 8,9 Although past research has done well to identify these factors, there may still be other factors that could influence the decision to pursue a pharmacy residency.…”

“…8,9 Identified barriers to pursuing a residency include financial obligations, already having a job lined up after graduation that does not require completing a residency, and too much competition for pharmacy residency positions. 8,9 Although past research has done well to identify these factors, there may still be other factors that could influence the decision to pursue a pharmacy residency. [8][9][10] One such factor is a phenomenon called "fear of missing out."…”