Pharmacy Class of 2009 nets 100 percent pass rate on licensing exam

The College of Pharmacy’s Class of 2009 achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the national licensure examination. The class also collectively scored well-above the national average.

The College of Pharmacy Class of 2009 had a 100 percent pass rate on the national pharmacy licensing examination as all 61 of UNMC’s students passed the examination on their first attempts.

The national pass rate for all colleges of pharmacy was 97.5 percent and UNMC students had an average score of 123.3, which was significantly higher than the national average (114.6).

The results are a credit to both the college’s faculty and students, said Courtney Fletcher, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy.

“This is a clear illustration of the dedication of the students and our faculty to excellence in pharmacy education,” Dr. Fletcher said. “Additionally, it reflects the efforts of the college to strengthen the curriculum and ensure our students are prepared for 21st Century pharmacy practice.”

In addition to the overall score, UNMC students scored above average in all three competency areas that compose the examination.

Nationally, 9,527 students took the examination — known as the North American Pharmacist Licensing Examination or NAPLEX — during this testing window.

Each state requires pharmacy students to pass the NAPLEX as a requirement toward licensure to practice.

UNMC students regularly score above the national average and have achieved 100 percent pass rates several times in the past. The last time UNMC achieved a 100 percent pass rate was in 2003.

“We typically do very well on this examination, which is very gratifying,” said Charles Krobot, Pharm.D., associate dean for student affairs in the College of Pharmacy. “It’s confirmation that we do a pretty good job educating our students.”