Beyond the PharmD

Students’ Perceptions of the Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Dual Degree Program

Abstract

Few pharmacy programs in the United States confer students a pharmacy and physician assistant (PharmD-PA) dual degree after graduation. The objective of this study is to determine students’ perceptions of the PharmD-PA dual degree as an alternative method for career advancement. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a 3-year pharmacy program in a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Students were asked about their familiarity with the PharmD-PA dual degree and its associated benefits and limitations. Students’ perceptions of the PharmD-PA dual degree on their career outlook, quality of life, salary, and its ramifications on the healthcare sector were assessed. Descriptive and chi-square analysis were conducted. Seventy-two students completed the survey from all 3 years of pharmacy school, and only 35 students (48.6%) were familiar with the PharmD-PA dual degree program. Students noted the benefits of pursuing the PharmD-PA dual degree to be acquiring prescriptive authority (44.4%), improved clinical knowledge (29.2%), and better career opportunities (18.0%). The main limitations included the additional time in school (40.3%), financial barriers of the program (26.4%), and increased school workload (16.7%). Most students believed that the PharmD-PA dual degree had positive effects on their job prospects, salary, career satisfaction, and allowed for overall improvements in patient care. Overall, pharmacy students had positive perceptions of the PharmD-PA dual degree program. Schools of Pharmacy should look into the development of PharmD-PA dual degree programs as a unique marketing opportunity for admissions and as a nontraditional method of career advancement.