(372) Relationships between Pre-matriculation Attributes and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Performance

Objective : This study aimed to investigate relationships between pre-matriculation attributes and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) among student pharmacists to identify potential new pre-matriculation indicators for student pharmacist success. Analyses were performed to determine if mean OSCE scores differed with respect to students' educational background and pre-matriculation work experience.

Methods: A retrospective review of admissions data, including degree completion status and pre-matriculation work experience, was conducted for the Class of 2024 at The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. Students were categorized based on highest degree completed (None/Associates and Bachelor’s/Master’s) and type of pre-matriculation employment (academia, hospitality, administrative, other, or unemployed). Descriptive analyses, ANOVAs, and independent t-tests were conducted to determine if the highest degree completed and pre-matriculation work status are related to Fall and Spring P2 OSCE scores.

Results: Analysis of data from 101 student pharmacists revealed that 72.3% of students had at least completed a bachelor’s degree, with 32.7% reporting being unemployed prior to matriculation. The most common pre-matriculation job categories were academia (23.8%) and hospitality (17.8%). No significant relationships between degree completion status or previous work experience and OSCE scores were observed.

Conclusions: This study found no significant relationships between degree completion status or pre-matriculation work experience, and OSCE performance among student pharmacists. While these factors may not directly influence OSCE scores, they could still serve as potential indicators of success in other areas of the PharmD program, such as confidence and performance in experiential education. Further research is warranted in these areas to explore alternative indicators of student pharmacist success and to provide guidance to admissions committees for effectively selecting and supporting student pharmacists in their academic journeys.