Graduates of Butler University’s prestigious Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program have consistently scored higher than their peers on the North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination (NAPLEX®), and the class of 2024 was no exception. Of the 96 Butler graduates taking the licensure exam for the first time, 90.6 percent passed the test. Nationally, only 77.5 percent passed the exam on their first attempt.
In each of the past three years, Butler’s first-time NAPLEX® pass rate has been in the top 15 nationally, a distinction shared with only five other universities. In 2021, 97 percent of Butler graduates passed the exam—the fourth highest pass rate in the nation. This year, Butler ranked 14th nationally and fourth among all private institutions.
Butler’s success in putting more pharmacists in the workforce comes at a critical time. Since the pandemic, pharmacies have been experiencing staffing shortages leading some to shorten their operating hours or close. More than 14,000 pharmacist openings are projected each year, on average. However, fewer than 13,000 pharmacy degrees are awarded annually, leaving a deficit. Both CVS and Walgreens have announced they are increasing salaries in hopes of recruiting more pharmacists to their locations.
“The shortage of pharmacists has placed a tremendous strain on healthcare systems, pharmacies, and communities nationwide,” Bob Soltis, Dean of Butler’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, said. “At Butler, we take great pride in preparing our graduates to step into these critical roles with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional patient care. Our strong pass rates on the NAPLEX® reflect the quality of education and hands-on training our students receive, equipping them to meet the growing demand for pharmacists.”
According to its website, the NAPLEX® is designed to evaluate general practice knowledge and is taken by recent college of pharmacy graduates shortly after they receive their degree. The NAPLEX® is just one component of the licensure process and is used by the boards of pharmacy to assess a candidate’s competence to practice as a pharmacist. The six-hour exam is composed of 225 questions that are delivered in a computerized, fixed form. The exam results are reported as pass or fail, and candidates are allowed five attempts to pass the exam.
“Pharmacists are in high demand, and the job market continues to improve as salaries and incentives increase,” Soltis said. “Our graduates are entering a field where they can make an immediate impact—not only in traditional pharmacy settings but also in areas such as health systems, pharmaceutical research, and public health. Butler’s commitment to student success ensures that our alumni are well-prepared for the opportunities ahead.”