A Survey Analysis of Motivations and Perceived Consequences of Work Hours Among Pharmacy Students

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine pharmacy students’ weekly work hours during Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) semesters, the primary reasons for working or not working, and how work hours impact their pharmacy education experience. MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year (P1) to fourth-year (P4) pharmacy students enrolled in PharmD programs at 3 colleges of pharmacy between January and February 2024. The 22-item anonymous survey queried student characteristics, current and ideal paid work hours, primary reasons for working, and perceived consequences of work hours on pharmacy education. ResultsA total of 622 pharmacy students participated in this survey (61% response rate). Community pharmacies (39%, n = 242) and inpatient hospital pharmacies (29%, n = 179) were the most common work settings for participants. Mean reported student work hours per week were statistically higher than ideal hours (12.3 vs 10.8). Most students were comfortable with their weekly work hours (63%, n = 307). Academic commitment was the main reason for students working fewer than ideal hours (76%, n = 65) while financial necessity was the primary reason for students working more than their ideal hours (86%, n = 82). Reduced study time (90%, n = 84), increased stress and fatigue (72%, n = 67), and limited extracurricular involvement (59%, n = 55) were consequences of working beyond ideal work hours. ConclusionMost students are comfortable with their average 12-h/week work hours. Financial necessity is a primary reason for students working more than their ideal hours, and excess work hours may contribute to reduced student engagement in pharmacy education. Faculty can use this information in their discussions with students balancing work and academic commitments.