This study aimed to evaluate how characteristics of pharmacy schools influence first-time pass rates on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). A retrospective analysis was conducted using NAPLEX first-time pass rates, institutional attributes, and the proportion of graduates securing a first postgraduate year (PGY1) residency for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. All U.S. pharmacy colleges accredited as of July 2017 were included. Statistical analyses comprised independent and paired samples t-tests, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression. Higher first-time NAPLEX pass rates were observed in schools affiliated with academic health centers, those founded before 2000, and public institutions. In 2016, programs following a traditional four-year curriculum outperformed accelerated three-year programs. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between first-time pass rates and both the percentage of fourth-year students obtaining a PGY1 residency and academic health center affiliation. Prior-year pass rates and the proportion of graduates matching into a PGY1 residency emerged as significant predictors in regression models for 2015 and 2016.While certain institutional features are associated with NAPLEX performance, many are non-modifiable. Pharmacy programs may benefit from proactive evaluation of their curricula and student preparedness for licensure examinations.
