Prospective Health Professions Students’ Misperceptions About Pharmacists

Public misperceptions about the pharmacy profession have the potential to impact pharmacy education, practice, and the health of those who pharmacists serve. Student misperceptions of the profession can lead to fewer applicants to pharmacy schools and frustration among pharmacy students and faculty members. With the recent decline in applicants to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs, professional pharmacy organizations, colleges and schools of pharmacy, and individual pharmacists must implement strategies that mitigate these misperceptions. This commentary discusses the potential impact of prospective health students’ (ie, students pursuing admission to health professional programs) misperceptions on the supply of quality candidates to PharmD programs. Strategies to elevate the image of the profession at the individual and collegiate level are discussed.