Association of PCOA scores; GPA; and other factors with NAPLEX Pass Rate: A cross sectional retrospective evaluation at one College of Pharmacy

Abstract

Specific Aims: To identify certain variables as predictors for overall NAPLEX passing scores for this University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Class of 2018 cohort. By the end of the study, associations between GPA, PCOA scores, and other factors should lead to a predictive tool for accessing a student's future success (or failure) on the NAPLEX.

Methods: Data was collected via University of Arizona College of Pharmacy admissions data along with release of MPJE and NAPLEX scores as well. The data was compiled together without demographic data to ensure anonymity of each participants' records.

Main Results: Stepwise logistic regression showed that the PCOA scaled score was a predictor for NAPLEX outcome, estimated parameter value: -0.0457 (p=0.0015). There was a significant difference in the pre-admissions cumulative GPA between the group passing the NAPLEX (mean GPA=3.61, SD=0.28) and the group that did not pass (mean GPA=3.30, SD=0.15) using a t-test statistic (p <.0001). The differences between PCOA (p <.0001) and composite PCAT scores (p=0.0286) also differed significantly between those who passed and those who failed the NAPLEX. Moderate, statistically significant correlations were found between NAPLEX scaled score with MPJE scaled score (r=0.59, p <.0001) and PCOA scaled score (r=0.51, p <.0001).

Conclusions: The PCOA test and pre-admissions GPA are good potential predictors for determining a student's outcome (pass or fail) on the NAPLEX test.