Impact of Intersession Course Remediation on NAPLEX/PCOA Scores in an Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy Program

Objective. To compare Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) scaled scores and North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) pass rates in students who completed a two-week intersession remediation or repeated a course with students who did not require any form of didactic remediation or full course repeat. Methods. Data examined for this study included NAPLEX/PCOA scores, NAPLEX pass/fail status, and remediation history. Students from graduating classes of 2016, 2017, and 2018 were organized into four groups: non-remediators, one course remediation and no repeats, >1 course remediation and no repeats, and ≥1 course repeat. Differences were analyzed using linear regression, logistic regression, and Pearson correlations. Results. PCOA scores for all remediation groups were significantly lower when compared with the non-remediators group with a reduction of 37.8 to 50.9 points from the expected non-remediators’ score. NAPLEX scores were not significantly lower for students who remediated one course compared to other groups with an expected reduction of 16 to 20 points. The likelihood of a student failing the NAPLEX was also not significantly lower for students who remediated one course but was significantly lower for other remediation groups. Conclusion. Although single course remediation in this curricular model appears to have minimal impact on NAPLEX outcomes and may be an acceptable intervention for many students, additional support and interventions may be warranted for students who qualify for multiple remediations and/or course repeat.