Factors Associated with Student Pharmacists’ Academic Progression and Performance on the National Licensure Examination

Abstract

Objective. To examine predictors of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students' on-time graduation, dismissal from pharmacy school, and scores on their first attempt at taking the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). Methods. A retrospective review of student records for the graduating classes of 2015-2018 at a college of pharmacy was performed. Data on the following were collected: student demographics/characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, financial need), having an undergraduate degree, undergraduate science grade point average (GPA), Pharmacy College Admission Test composite score percentile, pharmacy school GPAs for the didactic portion of the curriculum, Pre-NAPLEX score, on-time graduation from pharmacy school, dismissal from pharmacy school, and outcome (pass/fail) of first-attempt at taking the NAPLEX. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results. Of the 657 students whose records were included in the study, the majority were female (60%) and non-Hispanic white (70%). Higher first-year GPA was associated with increased likelihood of on-time graduation, while increased age and having an undergraduate degree were associated with a decreased likelihood of on-time graduation. A higher first-year GPA was associated with decreased likelihood of being dismissed from pharmacy school. Appearing before the Academic Standing and Promotion Review Committee for unsatisfactory academic performance was associated with decreased likelihood of passing the NAPLEX. Conclusion. First-year pharmacy school GPA is a critical predictor for student pharmacists in terms of on-time graduation and dismissal, and may have consequences for later NAPLEX outcome. Pharmacy schools should closely monitor students' performance during the first year and provide support to students experiencing academic difficulties.