(286) Effect of Undergraduate Exploring Pharmacy Courses on PharmD Program Recruitment

Objective : The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) developed high-impact courses to increase undergraduate student awareness of pharmacy careers and support preparation for competitive and successful application to the PharmD program.

Methods: Beginning with the fall 2015 term, the UW-School of Pharmacy (SoP) has offered pharmacy exploration seminars with low student-to-instructor ratios twice per year to freshmen. In 2021, the spring course was opened to include upperclassmen. Learning activities expose students to post-graduate and career opportunities in pharmacy, enhance students’ knowledge of the application process and ways to be a competitive applicant, and develop basic skills necessary for pursuing a professional level education and career. Data collected from students’ post-class surveys, advisor note system, and course database were used to track student interest and application timeline. Data collected from the SoP admissions database was used to track matriculation into the PharmD program.

Results: From fall 2015 through spring 2023, a total of 542 students have participated in an exploring pharmacy course. Through the fall 2022 admissions cycle, a total of 157 course participants have matriculated into the SoP PharmD program. An additional 36 students have been admitted to date for fall 2023 entrance. Of the 542 students, 133 remain in the pipeline with intentions to apply in the future. Attrition resulted from lower academic performance, shift in interests, and attendance at other pharmacy schools. Course evaluation feedback reflects deeper understanding of pharmacy career paths and confidence with application process.

Conclusions: These courses strengthen students’ interest in pharmacy and support their successful matriculation into the SoP.