(363) Impact of Different Interview Methods on Pharmacy Student Admissions Process

Trainee Category: Student Pharmacist

Objective : This study aimed to assess the perceived effectiveness of the interview modalities used in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) admissions process at The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy (RKCCOP) in the last 4 years.

Methods: Focus groups were conducted between June and October of 2022. They were held via zoom with RKCCOP students from both Tucson and Phoenix campuses to collect qualitative data on students’ views, thoughts, and perceptions of their interview experience. Students were grouped based on their interview modality with each group being asked the same set of open-ended questions. The data was then transcribed and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding to identify core themes present within the interview modality.

Results: A total of 28 students participated in their respective focus group zoom meetings. Five themes for each of the four modality types were identified. For the KIRA interview modality: 1) Thoughtful, 2) Indifferent, 3) Technology, 4) Impersonal, and 5) Debatable. For the Zoom interview modality: 1) Experience, 2) Indifferent, 3) Disconnect, 4) Preparation, and 5) Situational. For the Multiple Mini Interview modality: 1) Character, 2) Time Management, 3) Pressure, 4) Personable vs Impersonable, and 5) Unbiased. For the Standard Interview modality: 1) Experience, 2) Personable, 3) Anxiety, 4) Engagement, and 5) Positive Experience. The participants were able to voice their experiences and perspective on their interview modality.

Conclusions: This qualitative analysis identified five themes for each interview modality with more perceived benefits reported by students who experienced the standard interview modality. Further research is needed to address the challenges reported in this study and include a larger sample of students for more generalizable results.