Preparing Pharmacy Graduates to Shine: Specialized Curricular Pathways
Advisor(s)
Dr. Brittany Long
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 10:50 AM
Abstract
Background: As the scope of pharmacy practice expands across practice settings, Doctor of Pharmacy programs must ensure graduates are prepared for increasingly specialized and innovative careers. One emerging strategy is the incorporation of specialized curricular pathways or tracks into pharmacy curricula. These options allow student pharmacists to pursue focused learning through targeted coursework, experiential education, projects, and scholarly activities. Currently, literature is lacking on student perception of specialized pathways and their perceived value, outcomes, desirability, impact on career placement, and necessity. This research is the second step in investigating the need for curricular pathways in pharmacy education, following publication of a narrative literature review on existing specialized curricular pathway models, including nomenclature, requirements, and end deliverables across PharmD programs nationally. Student perceptions as a stakeholder in this process is necessary to determine prior to driving the development and implementation of these pathways by colleges of pharmacy.
Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to evaluate student pharmacist perceptions on the value, desirability, and need of specialized curricular pathway options within PharmD programs. Secondary objectives include assessing student drivers for pathway participation, pathway focuses of interest, and perceptions of how pathways may impact career readiness and professional differentiation.
Methods: A cross-sectional electronic Qualtrics survey will be distributed to all student pharmacists enrolled in an accredited PharmD program with the intent to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Survey domains include awareness of curricular pathways, perceived value and desirability of pathways, perceptions on pathway impact on career readiness, and alignment with professional goals. All data will be aggregated and de-identified.
Results: At the time of abstract submission, this research is ongoing.
Conclusion: As this research is ongoing, final conclusions are unable to be drawn at this time. This study may inform future curricular design, support evidence-based allocation of institutional resources, and contribute to discussions surrounding pathway standardization. As pharmacy practice continues to evolve, curricular innovations that enhance student readiness, differentiation, and alignment with workforce needs remain essential.
Recommended Citation
Egbujor, Daniella and Long, Brittany, "Preparing Pharmacy Graduates to Shine: Specialized Curricular Pathways" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 24.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/24
Open Access
Available to all.
Preparing Pharmacy Graduates to Shine: Specialized Curricular Pathways
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Background: As the scope of pharmacy practice expands across practice settings, Doctor of Pharmacy programs must ensure graduates are prepared for increasingly specialized and innovative careers. One emerging strategy is the incorporation of specialized curricular pathways or tracks into pharmacy curricula. These options allow student pharmacists to pursue focused learning through targeted coursework, experiential education, projects, and scholarly activities. Currently, literature is lacking on student perception of specialized pathways and their perceived value, outcomes, desirability, impact on career placement, and necessity. This research is the second step in investigating the need for curricular pathways in pharmacy education, following publication of a narrative literature review on existing specialized curricular pathway models, including nomenclature, requirements, and end deliverables across PharmD programs nationally. Student perceptions as a stakeholder in this process is necessary to determine prior to driving the development and implementation of these pathways by colleges of pharmacy.
Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to evaluate student pharmacist perceptions on the value, desirability, and need of specialized curricular pathway options within PharmD programs. Secondary objectives include assessing student drivers for pathway participation, pathway focuses of interest, and perceptions of how pathways may impact career readiness and professional differentiation.
Methods: A cross-sectional electronic Qualtrics survey will be distributed to all student pharmacists enrolled in an accredited PharmD program with the intent to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Survey domains include awareness of curricular pathways, perceived value and desirability of pathways, perceptions on pathway impact on career readiness, and alignment with professional goals. All data will be aggregated and de-identified.
Results: At the time of abstract submission, this research is ongoing.
Conclusion: As this research is ongoing, final conclusions are unable to be drawn at this time. This study may inform future curricular design, support evidence-based allocation of institutional resources, and contribute to discussions surrounding pathway standardization. As pharmacy practice continues to evolve, curricular innovations that enhance student readiness, differentiation, and alignment with workforce needs remain essential.