(347) Tools to Reach the Pinnacle of Pharmacy Student Success

Objective : Student applicant numbers have declined across US Schools of Pharmacy and are contributing to a projected shortage of pharmacists . As a result, pharmacy programs have altered their admission processes and efforts to retain students by providing additional tools for success, and maintain academic rigor.

Methods: In light of declining applicant numbers, the UMKC School of Pharmacy developed a plan to increase enrollment and promote student retention, engagement, well-being, and academic success. The plan includes steps to: 1) reduce the "student melt" in the summer months prior to enrollment; 2) provide support for students identified as at risk for academic struggle upon admission; 3) implement a tutoring program across three campus locations; and 4) execute a success and wellness based program for students.

Results: The programs developed as a part of this process have been in place for two years and include: 1) Pharmacy Boot Camp (a virtual, self-paced program promoting early engagement and preparing for the transition from undergraduate to graduate level work); 2) Proactive Student Success (PASS) Program designed for early identification of "academic risk" students (learning assessment inventories and learning specialist); 3) STEPS Tutoring five nights per week; and 4) Success and Wellness (SAW) Program (virtual, bi-weekly, dedicated to student wellness and NAPLEX/MPJE preparation. Data on attendance, assessment scores, and satisfaction are being collected to identify and support future needs.

Conclusions: The implementation of new programs to enhance enrollment and support student engagement, retention, success, and wellness has been well received by students through real-time participation, however attendance fluctuates depending on a variety of outside factors (eg. employment, family commitments, self-doubt).