Examining the Association Between the NAPLEX, Pre-NAPLEX, and Pre- and Post-admission Factors

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Licensure Examinations
• Academic Performance

Background:

• The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is critical for pharmacy licensure.
• Predicting NAPLEX performance is essential for student success and program evaluation.
• Factors influencing NAPLEX scores require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the correlation between the Pre-NAPLEX and NAPLEX scores.
• To identify pre-pharmacy, pharmacy school, and demographic factors impacting NAPLEX performance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 150 pharmacy graduates' academic and examination data.
• Statistical analyses including bivariate tests (ANOVA, t-test) and stepwise linear regression.
• Examination of National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Examination Program (NAPLEX) scores, Pre-NAPLEX scores, and demographic variables.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between Pre-NAPLEX and NAPLEX scores.
• Pharmacy GPA and Pre-NAPLEX scores were significant predictors in the regression model.
• Demographic factors, including race/ethnicity, and academic variables like PCAT and undergraduate GPAs, showed correlations with NAPLEX performance.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacy GPA is the most critical determinant of NAPLEX success.
• The Pre-NAPLEX score serves as a valuable and significant predictor of NAPLEX performance.
• Understanding these predictors can inform targeted interventions for pharmacy students.