The perceptions of practical work experience on student motivation to complete a Pharmacy Technician program

This study analyzes the perceptions of practical work experience on students' motivation to complete a Pharmacy Technician program. The purpose of this research was to explore the motivation of the pharmacy technician students at the institution under study to complete the program and the 1,000 hours of internship requirement for certification as a pharmacy technician. The target population for this study consisted of three groups - students currently enrolled in the institution, students who withdrew from the pharmacy technician program, and graduates of the program. Three surveys measured how currently enrolled students at a private, 4-year college in Puerto Rico feel about the Pharmacy Technician program, as well as their motivation to complete the program; the individual challenges to approve the practice course and complete the hours required to graduate, the reasons for students to dropping out, and the impact of the practice hours in their decision. The analysis of participants provided evidence of the high expectations of students in terms of jobs, and their high level of satisfaction with essential areas of services and academic activities during their years of study. This satisfaction was expressed in relation to student services such as counseling, placement, library, financial aid, faculty, and the institution as a whole. Currents students, graduates, and dropped-out students of the institution researched were satisfied with the services received by the institution and have a high level of satisfaction with faculty and the quality of learning.