Designing a master of public health degree within a department of pharmacy practice

Assessing the Perception of Pharmacy Students on Launching a Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health Dual Degree Program in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Institutional Cross-Sectional Study

There is a lack of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree programs in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to examine current pharmacy students’ perceptions regarding establishing such a program and the perceived limitations and advantages of pursuing such a degree. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based short survey to assess the feasibility of establishing a PharmD/MPH dual degree program in several randomly selected pharmacy schools in Saudi Arabia. Our cohort consisted of 657 students. Almost 56% were males, and nearly 58% were fourth-year pharmacy students. Close to 85% had a “very well” or “well” understanding regarding the pharmacist’s role in the public health area, and almost 70% stated that they see themselves playing a role in public health as a future pharmacist. Nearly 93% reported that they are either “very likely” or “likely” to enroll in such a program if given the opportunity. Almost 80% felt it would increase their job opportunities. On the other hand, close to 70% felt it would increase workload and stress. This study highlights pharmacy students’ positive perceptions regarding establishing a PharmD/MPH dual degree program in Saudi Arabia. The study results could be utilized as the starting point to propose and establish this program to health education policymakers in Saudi Arabia.

Non-Doctoral and Dual Degree Offerings in US Pharmacy Schools

Objective. To determine the number and types of non-terminal degree programs offered at US schools and colleges of pharmacy. Methods. The websites of 136 schools and colleges of pharmacy that offered the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education were examined to see if they also offered any non-terminal degrees. The school web sites were also compared to identify any variations in degrees offered based on class size, institution type (public or private), and age of program. Results. Thirty programs did not offer any additional degree programs. Twenty-three schools (17%) offered a bachelor's degree(s) program, 17 of which were standalone Bachelor of Science programs, five were restricted availability or pass-through degrees and one offered both. Restricted availability is a bachelor's degree given to students who reach milestones in the PharmD program, but they must be in the PharmD program to receive the degree. Research-based and administrative-based master's degree programs were offered by 56 (41.1%) and 28 (20.6%) schools respectively. Finally, 92 (67.6%) schools offered dual degree programs where students could simultaneously earn their PharmD and an additional degree. Conclusion. Given the challenges that US pharmacy schools face with decreasing applicants and lower enrollment in PharmD programs, they may find this data helpful as they consider solutions such as adding additional degree programs.

An update on characteristics of dual PharmD/MBA programs in the United States: 2016-2017

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted to update current literature on the characteristics of dual doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) and master of business administration (MBA) programs in the United States.

METHODS

After a preliminary search of institutions' websites for public information regarding PharmD/MBA programs, an email was sent to representatives of each school requesting additional promotional or program information that was not found online. After the data was collected and organized, an electronic survey was sent to each representative. Characteristics obtained include those related to program history, student and school demographics, enrollment requirements, and program structure.

RESULTS

Sixty-six schools of pharmacy were included in the study and asked to complete an electronic survey, and 36 (54%) programs responded. The oldest program was established 29 years ago, while most of the programs (43%) have been active for 11 to 20 years. Programs were similar in enrollment requirements, point of entry, and time to dual degree completion. Programs varied in the program structure, including how dual degrees are awarded.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides updated information about the characteristics of dual PharmD/MBA programs across the United States. This information may be useful to programs interested in developing or modifying existing dual programs and to students deciding whether to pursue a dual PharmD/MBA.

Innovating in Health Care Management Education: Development of an Accelerated MBA and MPH Degree Program at Yale

Increasingly, there is recognition of the need for individuals with expertise in both management and public health to help health care organizations deliver high-quality and cost-effective care.

The Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Management began offering an accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Health (MPH) joint degree program in the summer of 2014. This new program enables students to earn MBA and MPH degrees simultaneously from 2 fully accredited schools in 22 months. Students will graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to become innovative leaders of health care organizations.

We discuss the rationale for the program, the developmental process, the curriculum, benefits of the program, and potential challenges.

The prevalence and characteristics of dual PharmD/MPH programs offered at US colleges and schools of pharmacy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and characteristics of curriculum in dual doctor of pharmacy (PharmD)/master of public health (MPH) degree programs offered by US pharmacy programs.

METHODS

An 18-item survey instrument was developed and distributed online to faculty members at US colleges and schools of pharmacy.

RESULTS

Of the 110 colleges and schools that responded, 23 (21%) offered a PharmD/MPH degree. Common characteristics of these 23 programs included current PharmD program structure (3 + 1 year), early curricular recruitment, small enrollment, and interdisciplinary coursework occurring online and in the classroom. The impact of the dual degree on the curriculum and longevity of the dual-degree programs varied. About 55% of responding programs without a formal dual-degree program reported that additional public health training was available.

CONCLUSION

Twenty-one percent of colleges and schools of pharmacy offer a combined PharmD/MPH dual degree. Most programs required an additional 1 or 2 semesters to complete both degrees.

Rural health in pharmacy curricula

The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act proposes strategies to address the workforce shortages of primary care practitioners in rural America. This review addresses the question, "What specialized education and training are colleges and schools of pharmacy providing for graduates who wish to enter pharmacy practice in rural health?" All colleges and schools accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education or those in precandidate status as of December 2011 were included in an Internet-based review of Web sites. A wide scope of curricular offerings were found, ranging from no description of courses or experiences in a rural setting to formally developed programs in rural pharmacy. Although the number of pharmacy colleges and schools providing either elective or required courses in rural health is encouraging, more education and training with this focus are needed to help overcome the unmet need for quality pharmacy care for rural populations.