Educational differentiation of the pharmacy work force.
A model of the pharmacy work force in which pharmacists are differentiated and quantified on the basis of their professional education is described, and the model is used to analyze work force data for 1978 and 1987. The educational differentiation of the pharmacy work force was represented by a three-tiered pyramid in which the base, second, and third levels comprised pharmacists with a B.S. degree, a Pharm.D. degree, and residency or fellowship training, respectively. The number of pharmacists at each level was tabulated for 1978 and 1987 by using data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, ASHP, and other sources. In 1987, as in 1978, more than 90% of pharmacists had no formal training beyond the B.S. degree. However, the proportion of pharmacists with Pharm.D. degrees did increase from 1 in 30 to 1 in 16, and proportionately more pharmacists were receiving post-Pharm.D. training. Large state and regional differences were seen in the number and educational level of pharmacists. Differentiation in the physician and nursing work forces was examined; the physician work force was highly specialized, but nurses showed a more balanced differentiation. An increase in the demand for postgraduate training of pharmacists was projected. The educational differentiation model shows that the pharmacy work force is highly undifferentiated and that education at the Pharm.D. level should be emphasized. Such emphasis will increase the demand for residency and fellowship programs and improve the image of pharmacy as a profession.
Knapp
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School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211.
Letendre
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D004501:Education, Medical; D004506:Education, Nursing; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D004522:Educational Status; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce