Evaluation of student performance in an immunization continuing education certificate program incorporated in a pharmacy curriculum

According to Tennessee Board of Pharmacy regulations, pharmacists participating in influenza immunization programs must complete the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certificate program. Our objective was to incorporate this program into The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy curriculum so graduates would be able to administer immunizations following licensure. Pharmacy faculty trained as APhA faculty modified the course for pharmacy students. Lecture time was decreased and information previously presented in lecture was presented in cases that were evaluated by small groups of students and then discussed with faculty facilitators. Faculty supervised small groups of students practicing injection technique on each other. The self study test grade (± SD) was 95 ± 4 (78 - 100) and post test score was 94 ± 5 (73 - 100) with a score of 70 required for passing. All second and third year students successfully completed the program and 53 percent of fourth-year students elected to take and successfully completed the course. Beginning in 2000, all graduates will be recognized by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy as immunization providers.