Background's that State Board of Pharmacy considers questionable
I have several students that are more then halfway with finishing our PT program who have still not received their "Trainee" registration. I always ask my students before we sign them up if they might have anything in their background that would affect their approval. I wish the SBOP would provide a comprehensive list of violations so we can share that with our students. That way the student can decide if they want to take a chance and continue with the program. I know felonies have an affect but for example 1st DWI offense is not a felony unless other people were harmed. These students really want to make a change in their life. I would just like to be able to tell them with confidence that they should continue with our program despite a questionable background.
Mr. Slone, you have certainly struck a chord with my facility. To be honest with you, it should be the State Board's responsibility to be more informative with what they will consider in a students background. I print out the Q&A from the Board's website for criminal backgrounds and give them to my new starts so at least they have some idea what is acceptable and what is not. Quite frankly, a student does not have the time and money to waste on a PT program only to find out halfway thru that the Board will not pass them. If a student has a questionable background, lately I will have them contact the Board after six weeks of application submittal. They are either told everything looks ok or they are assigned a case manager who the student can follow up with for status updates. The Case Manager will also inform them if they need additional information to complete the process. This has worked out very well and seems to lessen the anxiety and calm the student down enough to re-focus on the curriculum.
William,
I think this is critical as well. The requirements and expectations should be understood by the students after a discussion about the field they are wanting to enter. The result will be that students can more more informed, meaningful and realistic selections when they select a career field and start the educational process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it's the college administration's responsibility to obtain answers to these questions so that students can be properly advised before undertaking their program of instruction. It's an ethical duty for the college to know the requirements for licensure in fields that it offers and to counsel students before it accepts their money. Program directors can provide information to the administration, but the counseling should take place before the student attends his first class.
Mark,
Not sure what system you are referring to. The instructional system we use is BlackBoard.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you don't mind me asking, what system do you have in place?
Mark,
We have faced the same situation with our program and students. We have now got a system in place that lets the students know their status and the options they have with going forward or if they need to select another program. I believe this is the fair way to do it for both the students and the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
