Journal Title:  Journal of Pharmacy Teaching | Vol:  8 | Issue:  4 | Year:  2001   
Print ISSN:  1044-0054 | Online ISSN:     

Can Distance Learning Fulfill Program Structure and Access Needs of Pharmacists for Post-B.S. Professional Education?

Assistant Professor Mayur M. Amonkar Ph.D.
Associate Professor Virginia Scott Ph.D.
Associate Professor Suresh Madhavan M.B.A. and Ph.D.

pages: 29 - 48
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Abstract:

Continuing education, certificate programs, and nontraditional Pharm.D. programs afford practicing pharmacists the opportunity to continue enhancing their knowledge and skills to face the challenges of an ever-changing health care environment. While the content and topics offered through such programs are important, it is also important to structure programs in a convenient and cost-effective manner so as to benefit the greatest number of pharmacists. The overall goal of this study was to address ways to fulfill program structure and access needs of West Virginia pharmacists with regard to continuing education programs, certificate programs, and the nontraditional Pharm.D. program and to assess how emerging educational and distance learning technology can best be used to meet those needs. Data gathered via mail survey of 2,800 West Virginia University School of Pharmacy alumni and pharmacists licensed in West Virginia indicated varying levels of interest in the three types of programs. Preferences for structuring the three types of programs based on characteristics such as method of instruction, class scheduling, traveling time, and willingness to pay were reported. While there appears to be a gap between pharmacists' preferences for program structure and access and what distance learning has to offer by the way of reduced travel time and distance, greater ease in managing family responsibilities, and greater flexibility in work schedules, this gap can be minimized through increased awareness and availability of education by distance learning means.