A Survey of Hiring and Non-hiring Pharmacist Perceptions of Certificate Training Programs in the South

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education (11/22) Barenie, Rachel E.; Frederick, Kelsey D.; Heidel, R. Eric; et al.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of hiring and non-hiring pharmacist registrants of the Office of Continuing Professional Development at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy's listserv to gauge their perceptions about certificate training programs. More than half (57%) of the 230 respondents were community practitioners, followed by hospital, ambulatory care and other types of pharmacists. Forty-one percent said they made or contributed to hiring decisions of other pharmacists — and 78% of this subgroup noted they were more likely to hire candidates who completed a primary care certificate program. Both hiring and non-hiring pharmacists considered communication to be the most important topic covered by such a program. They also felt the most critical program element was the experiential component, followed by simulation and a committed pharmacist coach/mentor. Respondents particularly favored a 12-week-long primary care certificate program totaling 30 hours. "Developing a certificate training program may serve as an opportunity to address gaps in the current primary care workforce in the U.S.," the authors conclude.

Read More