- In the 1950s, two schools in California did NOT transition from the 4-year BS degree to new 5-year BS degree in Pharmacy. What was the impact of them moving directly to the entry-level PharmD?
- The entry-level PharmD degree is now 20 years old as the required degree to practice pharmacy in the USA. How do you feel this significant change in educational requirements has impacted our practice?
- Are current “apprenticeship” requirements a key component to learning how pharmacy practice works? Should they be changed?
- What other relevant questions would you ask about this content?
Answer preview
The current “apprenticeship” requirement is an important component of learning pharmacy practice skills. An apprenticeship allows someone to acquire hands-on skills that cannot be offered through academic programs. After successful completion of academic programs in pharmacy, graduates acquire theoretical skills. Therefore, an apprenticeship can help a graduate to gain practical experience. Apprenticeship should not be changed, but it should be given more time so that pharmacy graduates can become more experienced. This is because pharmacy practices should be more advanced, considering how the world is faced with risks of unexpected pandemics like coronavirus.
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