Preparing NAPLEX®-Ready Graduates Requires Collaboration to Optimize Success

Mary Elizabeth Ray; Thomas M Ellington; Lisa Lebovitz; Sarah A Spinler; Diana M Sobieraj; Michael P Kelsch; Aleda M H Chen

doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2025.101427

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Preparing NAPLEX®-Ready Graduates Requires Collaboration to Optimize Success

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Preparing NAPLEX®-Ready Graduates Requires Collaboration to Optimize Success

Mary Elizabeth Ray, Thomas M Ellington, Lisa Lebovitz, Sarah A Spinler, Diana M Sobieraj, Michael P Kelsch and Aleda M H Chen

American journal of pharmaceutical education, Vol.89(7), 101427

07/2025

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2025.101427

PMID: 40456486

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2025.101427View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Declining NAPLEX® pass rates are causing widespread discussions and urgent investigations regarding potential causes including an examination of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program characteristics, content of curricula, student preparedness, and an evolving exam blueprint. Many studies have been carried out to understand the association of factors with NAPLEX® success, and individual programs have attempted to address those factors with mixed results. It is time to include additional stakeholders and work together on collaborative solutions. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), and PharmD programs (including preceptors and students) are invested in and may influence NAPLEX® outcomes. Specific recommendations for NABP and ACPE include increased transparency regarding timing and process of exam blueprint changes, coordination of a structured crosswalk between ACPE standards and NAPLEX® content, and consideration of overall pass rates as the measurable outcome of program quality. PharmD programs should consider strategies such as engaging preceptors in exam preparation and providing proactive and structured student support for skills such as time management. Collectively, AACP members can capitalize on our collective expertise to develop shared resources such as a practice question bank. Enhancing alignment between education and licensure ensures that pharmacy graduates are prepared for practice, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Licensure exam preparation

NAPLEX

ACPE

pharmacy licensure

NABP

Details

Title: Subtitle: Preparing NAPLEX®-Ready Graduates Requires Collaboration to Optimize Success
Creators: Mary Elizabeth Ray - University of Iowa
Thomas M Ellington - Shenandoah University
Lisa Lebovitz - University of Maryland, Baltimore
Sarah A Spinler - Binghamton University
Diana M Sobieraj - University of Connecticut
Michael P Kelsch - North Dakota State University
Aleda M H Chen - Cedarville University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of pharmaceutical education, Vol.89(7), 101427
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2025.101427
PMID: 40456486
NLM abbreviation: Am J Pharm Educ
ISSN: 1553-6467
eISSN: 1553-6467
Publisher: ELSEVIER
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 05/31/2025
Date published: 07/2025
Academic Unit: Pharmacy; Pharmacy Practice and Science
Record Identifier: 9984827335402771

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