Assessment of factors influencing recent graduates' selection of a community pharmacy practice site as their first practice position

ObjectivesTo identify factors that influence recent college graduates' selection of first practice position in a community pharmacy and determine whether exposure to or engagement in pharmaceutical care services during advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) or internship experiences correlate with any of the identified factors.MethodsA web-based survey that corresponds to the stated objectives was developed, pilot tested, and distributed in January 2009 to pharmacists graduating within the last five years (2004−2008) from participating colleges of pharmacy in the state of Ohio and five of The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy's peer institutions. Survey data evaluated first practice site selection and correlation with APPEs and internship.ResultsFour-hundred twenty respondents (16% response) completed the survey instrument, with 201 (48%) practicing in community pharmacy as their first practice position. The top factors influencing selection of first community practice position were salary, geography, schedule, benefits, and a positive experience with the company through internship. Seventy percent of participants were involved in pharmaceutical care services during APPEs vs 57% during internship. Those having exposure and involvement with patient education associated with point-of-care testing (POCT) during APPEs were significantly more likely to list “established pharmaceutical care services” as a top factor in selecting their first practice position.ConclusionsAlthough pharmaceutical care was not a significant factor for community pharmacists selecting a practice site after graduation, providing more opportunities for POCT during APPEs or internship experiences may result in an increased desire to provide these services.