A Description of NAPLEX and MPJE Preparation Strategies Among US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy

Lisa Lebovitz; Aleda M H Chen; Lawrence Carey; Jean T Carter; Michael P Kelsch; Mary E Ray; Sarah A Spinler; Diana M Sobieraj

doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100067

A Description of NAPLEX and MPJE Preparation Strategies Among US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy

Am J Pharm Educ. 2023 Jun;87(6):100067. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100067. Epub 2023 Mar 15.

Authors

Lisa Lebovitz¹, Aleda M H Chen², Lawrence Carey³, Jean T Carter⁴, Michael P Kelsch⁵, Mary E Ray⁶, Sarah A Spinler⁷, Diana M Sobieraj⁸

Affiliations

¹ University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA.
² Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, Cedarville, OH, USA.
³ Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA.
⁴ University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Missoula, MT, USA.
⁵ North Dakota State University School of Pharmacy, Fargo, ND, USA.
⁶ University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City IA.
⁷ Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, New York.
⁸ University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT, USA. Electronic address: diana.sobieraj@uconn.edu.

PMID: 37316127
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100067

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the different strategies used to supplement North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) preparation in the US pharmacy programs.

Methods: An online survey was developed to gather information from 141 accredited schools/colleges of pharmacy about the preparation methods used during the 2021-22 academic year. The questionnaire contained 19 NAPLEX- and 10 MPJE-specific questions related to timing, content, use of commercial products and programs, faculty involvement, and whether these activities were required or recommended. Characteristics of schools/colleges were compared based on the presence or absence of preparation programs; preparation programs were descriptively reported.

Results: The response rate was 71%. Most schools (87/100 respondents) provided NAPLEX preparation programs starting in the advanced pharmacy practice experiential year, required students to participate, and focused on reviewing the content instead of assessing students' examination readiness. Similar elements were reported among 61 schools providing MPJE preparation programs. Schools used a variety of resources including access to vendor-based question banks or review materials, and completing live, proctored, NAPLEX-like examinations. Characteristics of schools or colleges did not differ significantly based on presence or absence of a preparation program.

Conclusion: Schools/colleges of pharmacy use a variety of strategies to prepare students for licensing examinations. Many require student participation in vendor-based preparation programs for NAPLEX, and homegrown programs for MPJE preparation. The next step will be to determine the effectiveness of various approaches used by the schools/colleges on first-time licensure examination attempts.

Keywords: Licensure exam preparation; MPJE; NAPLEX; Pharmacy licensure.

MeSH terms

Education, Pharmacy*
Humans
Pharmacists
Pharmacy*
Schools
Universities