Prompted by data from a national survey indicating that communication apprehension (CA) was higher among pharmacy students than among the general population, West Virginia University developed a communication course especially to meet the needs of these students. The course was later modified by Auburn University. A study investigated the effectiveness of the techniques used in this course--systematic desensitization and cognitive restructuring. Desensitization involves a program of deep muscular relaxation, while cognitive restructuring involves getting people to realize that they have been conditioned to think negatively about themselves and then getting them to think positively. The 60 students enrolled in the 15-week course were each administered a communication apprehension measure. Based upon their scores, they were placed into one of three sections. Those students in the two sections reserved for high communication apprehensives received instruction in assertiveness, as well as in desensitization and cognitive restructuring, while students in the section for low apprehensives participated in role playing activities. At the end of the course, all students were again tested for CA. Results showed that systematic desensitization, in conjunction with cognitive restructuring and assertiveness training, appeared to be effective in reducing CA. (A course outline is included.) (FL)