Lessons Learned from a Distance Pathway: An Experiential View
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-17-2026
Keywords
fsc2026
Abstract
This poster examines the challenges and opportunities faced by online pharmacy (OP) pathways, particularly in relation to experiential education (EE) and clinical rotations.
A discussion of challenges including navigating complex affiliation agreements, varying state-specific insurance requirements, and ensuring adequate clinical resources and internship permits. Additional obstacles encompass managing the student familial obligations, mental health, pregnancy, and cultural issues, while faculty workload and turnover increases and accreditation requirements add to the burden. Other difficulties include a lack of community partners in new geographical locations, environmental disruptions (e.g., natural disasters), and the inefficiencies in outreach, market assessments, and placement resources. Several positive takeaways will be discussed such as the expansion of affiliation sites and the establishment of an OP consortium which have improved collaboration and placement opportunities. Assessment data has shown equality between the OP and campus-based students related to EE. Notable negative impacts include a potential decline in professionalism among OP students, preceptors unfamiliar with our process, which affects willingness to precept, and overall preceptor burnout. The influx of competing OP programs has divided the pool of available students. EE programs are being challenged to provide rotations in markets outside of their geographical region, adding stress in experiential education departments to meet the needs of the students and their rotations. Our program continues to grow with the adaptation of the OP pathway, despite ongoing challenges related to EE and clinical placements. This institution pulled together the first group of OP EE directors into a consortium which will be discussed.
Publication Information
DelMonte, Keith; Balland, Andi; DiGiorgio, Andrea; and Zak, Matthew, "Lessons Learned from a Distance Pathway: An Experiential View" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 50.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/50
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Comments
Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.