Exploring factors influencing employer satisfaction with BPharm graduates: Evidence from a private university in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND

Employer feedback is widely recognized as an important mechanism for evaluating graduate outcome quality in higher education, particularly in the health sciences. However, empirical evidence on employer satisfaction with undergraduate Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) graduates in developing countries, including Vietnam, remains limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined factors influencing employer satisfaction with BPharm graduates from Thanh Do University.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 127 employers from September 2025 to March 2026. The questionnaire consisted of 17 observed variables developed based on the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework, the Vietnamese Pharmacist Competency Standards, and the learning outcomes of the pharmacy program at Thanh Do University. Data were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The analysis identified two factors: (1) Knowledge and Skills (KS) (β = 0.597) and (2) Autonomy and Responsibility (AR) (β = 0.429). Both factors were positively associated with employer satisfaction and jointly explained 59.2% of the variance in overall satisfaction. The mean satisfaction score was 3.76/5, indicating generally positive evaluations, although gaps remained in higher-order competencies. No significant difference in satisfaction was observed between public and private sector employers (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although overall employer satisfaction was favorable, gaps persist in graduates' practical application competencies. The findings indicate the need for competency-based curriculum reform and stronger alignment with labor market demands.