Programmatic Assessment in U.S. Schools and Colleges of Pharmacy: A Snapshot.

Abstract

This project was conducted to understand how schools are responding to the need to develop programmatic assessment. The deans at the 80 U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy were faxed a questionnaire developed to elicit information. A second questionnaire was faxed two weeks after the first questionnaire. Fifty-five institutions responded. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents reported having curriculum committees, but only 49 percent reported having assessment committees. Seventy-one percent have approved a list of general education abilities. Regarding programmatic assessment, deans were the most frequently reported individuals driving the development of assessment. While the NAPLEX was the most frequently cited instrument for programmatic assessment, many respondents reported using instruments other than the NAPLEX. While some pharmacy schools have implemented abilities-based educational programs, there is progress to be made still. Hence, need exists for support and educational initiatives that facilitate implementation of these new programs.