Association Between NAPLEX Preparation Program Characteristics and First-Time Pass Rates.

Objective. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe characteristics of preparation programs for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) that are currently used by colleges and schools of pharmacy and (2) evaluate these program characteristics in relation to first-attempt NAPLEX pass rates.Methods. This cross-sectional study was based on an online survey administered between February and March 2020. Assessment leads from 143 PharmD programs were invited to answer questions on their schools' PharmD program characteristics and various aspects of NAPLEX preparation programs. The study included regression analyses to investigate associations between the NAPLEX first-attempt pass rates and PharmD demographic characteristics as well as between first-attempt pass rates and various aspects of the NAPLEX preparation programs. Finally, common themes from open-ended questions were identified.Results. Fifty-eight participants completed the survey out of 132 successfully delivered email invitations (response rate = 44%). Fifty participants (86%) indicated that their PharmD program offers a NAPLEX preparation program. Our data indicate that offering a NAPLEX preparation program was not significantly associated with higher NAPLEX first-attempt pass rates. The analysis identified possible explanations for this lack of association, including student concerns with balancing a preparation program with advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) and the faculty workload associated with delivering such programs.Conclusion. The current findings show no association between offering a NAPLEX preparation program and NAPLEX first-attempt pass rates. Future research should continue to examine the impact of these programs on individual school pass rates and factors that may enhance student motivation to engage in these programs.

The PharmD/MD Dual-Degree Program and Its Potential Value in the Pharmaceutical Industry.

The first dual-degree program combining both the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) and the doctor of medicine (MD) degrees was designed and launched by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in academic year 2013-2014. This joint effort was led by the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy (EMSOP) and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) to combine expertise in both diagnostic and treatment facets of health care and to prepare graduates for leadership roles in providing and managing comprehensive patient care in a variety of settings. One area of potential value of these skill sets is the drug development industry. A survey was conducted among pharmaceutical executive stakeholders associated with a postdoctoral training program to assess the perceived value of this new dual-degree skill set and to identify particular functions where the combined training has its best fit. Results indicate that the combined nature of this training is highly valued in this setting, especially in the areas of clinical pharmacology, drug safety and pharmacovigilance, medical affairs/strategy, and medical science liaisons. Future monitoring of graduates will further define the value of this dual degree in this and other health care settings.