Pharmacy’s Top Talents Attracted to PA Programs

Applying to the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 1977

Back in 1977, I was on tenterhooks, anticipating the outcome of my application to the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in Pennsylvania. We were advised that a large envelope was a positive sign as it would enclose all necessary documents for beginning pharmacy school. Conversely, a small envelope signified rejection.

One summer day, a thin envelope arrived while I was at work in the paper mill. My mother, worried, opened the envelope in my absence and was met with the words, “Congratulations…” signed by Dr Balwant Dixit, then acting dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

Falling Applications to US Pharmacy Schools

I later found out that I was one of the lucky 100 applicants who got accepted out of over 600. But, over the years, the number of applications to US pharmacy schools has seen a nearly 70% reduction from 2009 to 2021, according to data from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Where once these institutions churned out 15,000 graduates annually, by 2025, they’re estimated to produce only 11,000.

Shift of Interest to Other Careers

So, where are the brightest minds headed if not to pharmacy school? Based on the 2023 US News and World Report Best Jobs report, one lucrative profession stands out – the role of a Physician Assistant (PA). This position, which requires a similar study period as pharmacy, offers comparable pay, with the potential to reach the $200,000 mark. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 27% growth in opportunities for PAs in the next decade, attracting those looking for work that fully utilizes their clinical skills.

Teaching in a PA Curriculum

Having taught in a PA curriculum for 16 years, I can attest to the bright minds that find their way into this profession. These individuals enjoy the freedom to choose their area of interest and have the option to switch fields as they evolve in their career, unlike in pharmacy, where the opportunities seem more rigid.

The Changing Landscape of Pharmacy

The decision-making process of opting for a career in pharmacy is influenced by factors such as the work environment, job flexibility, and the need for post-graduation residency. Today, the PA curriculum is increasingly attracting potential pharmacy school applicants. It’s high time we evaluate the practice, costs, and necessity of residencies in pharmacy education.

Peter A. Kreckel, RPh, is a community pharmacist based in Altoona, Pennsylvania.