Prevalence and characteristics of pharmacies owned and operated by schools of pharmacy in the United States

Introduction: To identify schools/colleges of pharmacy that own and operate a pharmacy and to gather key details about such pharmacies. Methods: Schools of pharmacy (n = 134) in the United States were contacted to determine whether they own and operate a pharmacy. Schools identified as having a pharmacy were subsequently sent an online questionnaire to solicit information about school and pharmacy characteristics. Results: Eighteen (13.4%) schools reported owning and operating at least one pharmacy; of these, 14 (77.8%) responded to the questionnaire. The provision of education was a goal for all pharmacies. Pharmacy services were provided to students, faculty/staff, and community members (85.7%, 78.6%, and 50%, respectively). Student pharmacists were regularly involved in the operations of 13 (92.9%) pharmacies, largely as part of their introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences and/or as paid employees. Conclusion: Few schools of pharmacy in the United States own and operate a pharmacy. These pharmacies primarily serve as teaching and learning venues and provide services to the campus community and/or the community at large.