Student pharmacist perspectives of rural pharmacy practice.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the level of interest of upper-level doctor of pharmacy students in rural pharmacy practice, rural pharmacy ownership, and a proposed rural pharmacy practice model.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota in October through December 2003.


METHODS
Third- and fourth-year professional student pharmacists at the University of Minnesota, North Dakota State University, and South Dakota State University.


METHODS
Self-administered questionnaire completed by study participants.


METHODS
Student interest in rural pharmacy practice and potential future directions for maintaining access to medications and the knowledge of pharmacists in rural communities.


RESULTS
Of 177 respondents, 62.7% has given serious consideration to practice in rural communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer residents. Of these 111 students, 81% would be interested in the proposed practice model explained in the survey. Of the 108 total students expressing interest in the proposed rural pharmacy practice model, 63% had not previously given serious consideration to pursuing ownership (full or partnership) of a community pharmacy.


CONCLUSIONS
Students from the schools that have traditionally supplied the majority of Minnesota rural pharmacists indicated an interest in practicing in rural areas as long as opportunities align with their personal and professional interests.
Traynor
Andrew P
AP
College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Sorensen
Todd D
TD
D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D008910:Minnesota; D009658:North Dakota; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D013023:South Dakota; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce