Survey: Two-in-three pharmacy students interested in becoming an independent

 SAN DIEGO — Nearly two-thirds of pharmacy students are interested in owning a community pharmacy after graduation, according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the National Community Pharmacists Association. 

The national survey of some 120 NCPA student members was conducted to gauge interest in becoming a future pharmacy owner. “Today’s pharmacy students are some of the best and brightest I’ve ever seen,” stated Lonny Wilson, NCPA president. “The feedback we received from this survey furthers my belief that these students will be the hardworking, dedicated pharmacy owners our profession needs to thrive. We are proud to partner with McKesson to help [pharmacy students] attend the NCPA Annual Convention to help them become those successful owners of the future.”

McKesson sponsors the RxOwnership program, which is dedicated to providing independent pharmacy owners, prospective owners and pharmacy students with tools to help them map out their future. In the past year, RxOwnership has been involved in more than 450 pharmacy buy, sell or transfer deals and supported nearly 300 startups. 

“McKesson RxOwnership is proud to partner with NCPA to support the future of pharmacy ownership by giving students the knowledge and tools to map out their future,” commented Bob Graul, national VP, McKesson RxOwnership. “Many recent pharmacy graduates are interested in independent pharmacy ownership because they want the ability to decide how they would like to run a pharmacy and tailor its services to meet the needs of their customers and community. Ultimately, this gives them the ability to do what community pharmacists do best - focus on patient care.”