Multi-institutional Analysis of Student and Program Variables as Predictors of Performance on the NAPLEX

Objective. Understanding student characteristics and risk factors for North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) performance may help colleges and schools of pharmacy (C/SOPs) target limited resources. This study aimed to evaluate two sets of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student variables for their effect on NAPLEX performance. Methods. Data were collected from five C/SOPs over three years (2016-18). Relationships between variables were first examined with bivariate correlations, followed by a series of multiple regressions using a structural equation modeling approach. Two sets of analyses were conducted using the outcome variable of NAPLEX scaled score; the first set examined variables at admission to the program while the second set examined performance variables during the PharmD program. Results. Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) area scores had the highest bivariate correlation with NAPLEX score; Area 4 and Area 2 had the strongest correlations. Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) subtest scores were significant but had smaller correlations. Admissions variables of incoming science grade point average (GPA) and PCAT area scores were significant predictors of NAPLEX, but these were entered in separate models as they explained the same variance (each approximately 15%). PharmD performance variables of PCOA area scores and GPA before Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (pre-APPE GPA) were significant predictors and explained about 25% of the variance in NAPLEX scores. Conclusion. PCOA area scores and pre-APPE GPA were significant predictors of NAPLEX scores. Information in this study can be used by C/SOPs to efficiently target support services to students for enhanced NAPLEX performance.