Prospective student pharmacist interest in a rural pharmacy curriculum.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prospective student pharmacists' interest in a rural pharmacy health curriculum.


METHODS
All applicants who were selected to interview for fall 2011 enrollment at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy were invited to participate in a Web-based survey. Questions addressed participants' willingness to participate in a rural health pharmacy curriculum, interest in practicing in a rural area, and beliefs regarding patient access to healthcare in rural areas.


RESULTS
Of the 250 prospective student pharmacists invited to participate, 91% completed the survey instrument. Respondents agreed that populations living in rural areas may have different health needs, and students were generally interested in a rural pharmacy health curriculum.


CONCLUSIONS
An online survey of prospective student pharmacists was an effective way to assess their interest in a rural pharmacy program being considered by the study institution. Location of the rural program at a satellite campus and availability of housing were identified as factors that could limit enrollment.
University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7566, USA.
Shanna K
SK
O'Connor
Jeffrey S
JS
Reichard
Kim A
KA
Thrasher
Pamela U
PU
Joyner
D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009657:North Carolina; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000600:supply & distribution; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce; D055815:Young Adult