Comparison of practice patterns and job satisfaction of entry level PharmD and BS level graduates in hospital and community practice.

Controversy has and continues to exist over whether schools of pharmacy should make the PharmD the universal entry level pharmacy degree. Proponents argue that doctorate status would enhance pharmacy's professional image and society would benefit from doctoral-level training. Opponents counter that, given the present health care system, society can place only a small percentage of pharmacists in positions requiring training at the doctorate level and, further, placing pharmacists with highly developed clinical skills in positions not requiring such skills will lead to both frustration and loss of clinical skills. The present study investigated the following research questions with regard to community and hospital pharmacy practice: (i) do job activities of entry level PharmD graduates differ from those of BS graduates; and (ii) does the job satisfaction of entry level PharmD and BS graduates differ? Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected California entry level PharmD graduates and Georgia BS graduates to elicit responses regarding practice patterns and job satisfaction. Response rates were 68 percent for PharmD and 62.5 percent for BS respondents. The subsequent data revealed that both PharmD and BS respondents devoted the greatest portion of their time to drug distribution in both practice settings. Minimal differences were noted in other work activities in either on practice setting. No differences in job satisfaction were found.