(305) In the Fast Lane: Preparation Changes that Improved our NAPLEX Ranking from #101 to #8

Objective : In the past few years, the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy began a formalized effort to improve student performance in the classroom and enhance preparation for the pharmacist licensure exam (NAPLEX). The primary objective reviewed the totality of major changes and considered the association of these modifications with overall NAPLEX pass rates.

Methods: NAPLEX-specific training included a series of assigned RxPrep practice quizzes each month as well as three separate in-person exams scheduled throughout the P4 year. The college also boosted 1:1 advising for struggling students through the hire of a dedicated Director of Pharmacy Student Success and realignment of an Associate Dean’s responsibilities toward student success efforts. The college also enhanced calculations content throughout the curriculum, implementing mandatory relearning sessions and new training to pre-pharmacy courses. In addition, competency exams were added in sequential skills lab courses throughout the P2 and P3 years related to calculations, drug knowledge, and other NAPLEX content. The researchers collected: 1) overall NAPLEX pass rates from 2017-2022, and 2) average Domain 4 scores (Perform Calculations) when available (2021-2022) using Enflux. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Results: Findlay’s ranking for pass rates on the NAPLEX improved over time from #101 (2017) to tied for #8 (2022). Notably, students scored considerably higher on Domain 4 (Perform Calculations) compared to national averages (0% at level 1--far below minimum performance and 51-62% at level 4--exceeds minimal performance). Additional focus in the student success area including intensive advising has helped retention rates steadily improve from 70% to 86% over a 3-year period.

Conclusions: These associations suggest that the changes to the NAPLEX preparation curriculum and student success efforts improved overall NAPLEX performance.