Graduates from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy Class of 2023 had the highest first-time pass rate in the State of Georgia, the second highest among the 12 Southeastern Conference (SEC) pharmacy schools, and exceeded the national average by almost 10% on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX®).

The results, just released from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, indicate that the pass rate for the 142 schools and colleges of pharmacy in the U.S. was 77.5%, while the 132 graduates from the UGA College of Pharmacy passed at a rate of 87.1%, up three points from the previous year. 

The NAPLEX Exam is designed to evaluate general practice knowledge and is taken by recent college of pharmacy graduates shortly after they receive their degrees. The NAPLEX is just one component of the licensure process and is used by boards of pharmacy to assess candidates’ competence to practice as a pharmacist.

“We are immensely pleased with these results,” said Dean Kelly Smith. “It speaks volumes to the caliber of students who graduate from our college and to the outstanding faculty who provide them with an exemplary classroom and experiential learning environment. It is just one more reason why choosing UGA Pharmacy is a stellar decision.”