Correlation of P3 PCOA scores with future NAPLEX scores

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine whether a correlation exists between third-year professional (P3) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students’ Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) scores and their future National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) scores. MethodsIn 2009 and 2010, the PCOA was administered to P3 pharmacy students at North Dakota State University (NDSU). Students subsequently took the NAPLEX the following year and released their scores to the school. Parametric analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to assess mean differences in PCOA scaled scores (total and subtopic domain) and NAPLEX scaled scores (total and by competency area). Pearson and Spearman analyses were used to assess the magnitude of the correlations between the PCOA and NAPLEX scores. ResultsPearson correlations indicated that the PCOA total and all four subtopic domain scaled scores were significantly correlated with all NAPLEX scores (total and competency areas) with one exception. The PCOA social, behavioral, and administrative subtopic domain score was not significantly correlated with NAPLEX Competency Area 2. ConclusionNDSU pharmacy students in their P3 year who scored higher on the PCOA exam were more likely to score higher on the future NAPLEX exam. Students may be able to use formative assessment data from the PCOA to correct any possible deficiencies prior to taking the NAPLEX.