title: The influence of an elective introductory clinical research course on pharmacy student interest in pursuing research-based careers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the impact of an elective clinical research course on second- and third-year pharmacy students' knowledge of clinical research methods, training programs, career options, and interest in pursuing postgraduate training.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 2-credit hour elective course in clinical research was designed that included lectures, discussions, workshops, and in-class presentations related to study design and implementation, protocol synthesis, research evaluation, ethical and legal considerations, data analysis, and professional opportunities involving clinical research. Learner knowledge of these topics was assessed using several methods, including 3 assignments related to research protocol, ethical documentation, and presentation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A survey instrument designed to evaluate the effect the course had on pharmacy students' knowledge of clinical research methods and interest in pursuing postgraduate training in clinical research was administered. Students who completed the elective had a greater level of familiarity with research-related topics, training options, and career opportunities (p < 0.05) and a greater interest in pursuing a career in clinical research (p < 0.05) than did students in a matched control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taking a 2-credit hour elective course in clinical research increased pharmacy students' interest in pursuing a career in clinical research.
authors.affiliation: Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. boverhol@purdue.edu
authors.forename: Brian R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Overholser
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: Joshua R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Kimberly S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Plake
authors.forename: Kevin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Sowinski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education*; D002321:Career Choice; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult