A Study of the Relationship Between the PCOA and NAPLEX Using a Multi-institutional Sample

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Licensure Examinations
• Student Assessment

Background:

• The Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) is a tool used in pharmacy education.
• The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is the standard for pharmacist licensure in North America.
• Understanding the relationship between these assessments is crucial for evaluating student preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between PCOA and NAPLEX scores.
• To determine the predictive value of PCOA content areas for NAPLEX performance.
• To establish baseline data for pharmacy schools and researchers.

Main Methods:

• A multi-institutional dataset of 1,460 student scores from 2012-2015 was analyzed.
• Bivariate correlations were calculated for total and content area scores.
• Linear regression models predicted NAPLEX scores using PCOA data.

Main Results:

• A moderate correlation (r=0.54) was found between total PCOA and NAPLEX scores.
• All content area correlations were significant, ranging from r=0.22 to 0.56.
• PCOA pharmaceutical/clinical sciences scores predicted NAPLEX scores; basic/social sciences did not.

Conclusions:

• PCOA and NAPLEX scores show significant correlations, aligning with prior research.
• PCOA scores explain 30-33% of NAPLEX score variance, indicating a need for supplementary assessments.
• This study offers valuable data for pharmacy schools and future research on assessment evolution.