3-Year vs. 4-Year Programs

[notafraid87]

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I am aware that reputation and prestige of pharmacy schools are becoming an advantage when applying to residency programs and/or fellowships.
To those that attend 3-year programs, do schools give a positive/negative job outlook for graduates? I understand that networking is crucial to finding a position, but is a 3-year program considered as a disadvantage nowadays?

 

[rxlea]

I would say one of the limiting factors is that some of the accelerated programs also have pass/fail grading. If you are considering residency, make sure that your residencies of interest will still consider students from those programs. Also, accelerated programs may present some limitations when it comes to summer internships, that are out of state for example, or working since you'll typically go to school over the summer too. Also make sure the teaching style is conducive to your preferred methodof learning- some do quarter or block system.

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[joetrisman]

I would say one of the limiting factors is that some of the accelerated programs also have pass/fail grading. If you are considering residency, make sure that your residencies of interest will still consider students from those programs. Also, accelerated programs may present some limitations when it comes to summer internships, that are out of state for example, or working since you'll typically go to school over the summer too. Also make sure the teaching style is conducive to your preferred methodof learning- some do quarter or block system.

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Agreed, I'm at a three year and feel like not having an opportunity for summer internships is a major drawback

 

[SeattleCoug]

I am currently attending a 3-year school that uses a traditional grading system. I have been able to work as an intern at a retail pharmacy since my second quarter of school and have classmates who have been able to work in other hospital and retail settings through school. I don't feel my program is limiting me or making me less competitive for residencies; myself and a number of my classmates have been invited for residency interviews all over the country. Classes ahead of me have had a significant number of students go on to residency programs as well. As for out of state rotations, my school is very supportive of this and I have been able to do 4 of 6 APPEs out of state and 1 of 2 IPPEs. Our experiential rotations are a little more structured to ensure that we get the minimum number of hours for licensure.
3-year programs are not perfect however. The schedule is very hectic and you have to plan a little more to position yourself for residency than at a 4-year program. You begin to research programs and gather information during your second year and many of us are not sure of where we want to go with our career or have not taken advantage of all the leadership or service opportunities that have been presented to us.
That's my opinion on 3-year programs...hope it helps.
AC

 

[RX86]

I am currently attending a 3-year school that uses a traditional grading system. I have been able to work as an intern at a retail pharmacy since my second quarter of school and have classmates who have been able to work in other hospital and retail settings through school. I don't feel my program is limiting me or making me less competitive for residencies; myself and a number of my classmates have been invited for residency interviews all over the country. Classes ahead of me have had a significant number of students go on to residency programs as well. As for out of state rotations, my school is very supportive of this and I have been able to do 4 of 6 APPEs out of state and 1 of 2 IPPEs. Our experiential rotations are a little more structured to ensure that we get the minimum number of hours for licensure.
3-year programs are not perfect however. The schedule is very hectic and you have to plan a little more to position yourself for residency than at a 4-year program. You begin to research programs and gather information during your second year and many of us are not sure of where we want to go with our career or have not taken advantage of all the leadership or service opportunities that have been presented to us.
That's my opinion on 3-year programs...hope it helps.
AC

Ehhhhh...

 

[PharMed2016]

I am aware that reputation and prestige of pharmacy schools are becoming an advantage when applying to residency programs and/or fellowships.
To those that attend 3-year programs, do schools give a positive/negative job outlook for graduates? I understand that networking is crucial to finding a position, but is a 3-year program considered as a disadvantage nowadays?

The program that I'm finishing is a 3-year accelerated program. Most of my friends that are here with me are applying to pharmacy residencies right now. They've all gotten plenty of interviews. The institution which I'm rotating through doesn't seem to discriminate.

 

[joetrisman]

Agreed, I'm at a three year and feel like not having an opportunity for summer internships is a major drawback

Let me clarify as it seems another poster thought I meant a 3yr program hinders internships. It does not. I've held two internship positions throughout the program. However, you won't be able to do summer internships. This is a major drawback if you wish do get involved in national summer internships offerings. In this way, I feel as if I'm missing out on an opportunity to improve my CV and learning experiences compared to my 4yr counterparts.

 

[Silent Cool]

The program that I'm finishing is a 3-year accelerated program. Most of my friends that are here with me are applying to pharmacy residencies right now. They've all gotten plenty of interviews. The institution which I'm rotating through doesn't seem to discriminate.

What pharm program do you attend?

thanx