Abstract
Background: Experiential placements are an essential component of undergraduate pharmacy education in Australia. However, the influence the placements have on students' choice of intern site warrants further investigation. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify factors that influence Monash pharmacy students' choice of site for their intern training.
Method: Two questionnaires relating to the practical experience placements (PEPs) were completed by students during their final year of undergraduate study. The first questionnaire was conducted prior to hospital pharmacy selection and the second one after that selection process.
Results: Almost two-thirds of respondents stated that the expectation of a good internship experience was their reason for choosing their site. Having previous or ongoing employment at the chosen site was also influential. About three-quarters listed being close to home or university (the site of the training seminars) as a reason for choosing the location of their site.
Conclusion: Overall, PEPs have a strong influence on the students' intern site preferences, with metropolitan hospital placements being the major influence.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 209 - 215 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2016 |
Keywords
- Career choices
- Pharmacy students
- Professional training