Factors influencing choice of a pharmacy degree and career preferences of final year pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria: A multi-institutional study

• DOI: 10.4314/njpr.v18i2.4
• Publication Date: 2023-02-16T10:16:51Z
• Authors: S. N. Abdu-Aguye; M. M. Suleiman; A. Shehu; E.N.A. Mohammed
• Keywords: Bachelor; Hospital pharmacy; Work experience

Background: Over the years, scope of practice for pharmacy profession has considerably broadened and several areas can now be chosen by young graduates. However, not much is known about career preferences Nigerian students.Objectives: To explore factors influencing choice a degree, perceptions in final year students at selected universities Northern Nigeria.Methods: A cross sectional study using structured paper-based questionnaire to collect data from consenting six universities, was conducted May August 2021. Descriptive statistics were used report results obtained.Results: total 226 questionnaires retrieved. Many respondents male (57.5%) studying Bachelor Pharmacy degree (88%). first-choice course almost 70% respondents, most common their personal interest (59.7%) good job prospects (50.4%). Majority perceived that community would provide them with financially rewarding (32.7%), best work environment (33%) opportunities (20%). Most also themselves as having heavy workload if they worked hospital (47.8%) schedule academia (28.9%). Respondents’ top four choices pharmacy, public health industrial pharmacy.Conclusion: This identified respondents. Structured counselling pharmacists recommended.