NAPLEX first-time pass rate

Concordia University Wisconsin’s 2023 PharmD graduates ranked second among all pharmacy school graduates in the region and 11th nationwide for their first-time pass rates on a national licensing exam.


The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy released the most recent North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) results last week. Among pharmacy schools located in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and Iowa, only one other school’s graduates topped Concordian’s score.

Concordia’s 2023 graduates earned a first-time pass rate of 91.7%, which far-outpaces any other Christian pharmacy school on the list and places it third among all private schools of pharmacy nationally. It also continues a celebrated upward trend for Concordia with CUWSOP graduates continuing to show exceptional results each year.

“This outstanding NAPLEX pass rate is a testament both to the excellence and ability of our graduates but also speaks to the high quality of education and individual mentorship provided by the faculty of Concordia School of Pharmacy which thoroughly prepares our graduates to succeed as they enter pharmacy practice,” said Dr. Erik Jorvig, Dean of Concordia School of Pharmacy.

About the NAPLEX

Any candidate who wishes to practice in the U.S. as a licensed pharmacist is required to pass the NAPLEX. The exam evaluates a candidate’s general practice knowledge. Pharmacy graduates generally opt to take it for the first time shortly after they graduate with their Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. While the NAPLEX is just one component of the licensure process, it is a key standard used by boards of pharmacy throughout the nation to assess a candidate’s competence to practice as a pharmacist.

Top Christian pharmacy school

The mission of Concordia University Wisconsin is to help students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. As one of the university’s six academic schools, the School of Pharmacy educates pharmacists and professionals to be servant leaders dedicated to improving the health of communities through excellence in teaching, research, service, and practice.

A high NAPLEX pass rate enables graduates of Concordia School of Pharmacy to quickly and effectively enter pharmacy practice to serve their patients and become servant leaders in their community through the vocation of pharmacy.  Whether graduates choose to enter residency, community or hospital practice, or one of the more unique pathways in pharmacy, this result emphasizes that CUW SOP graduates are well prepared to positively affect the health of the communities they serve. 

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As a CUW pharmacy student, you can expect to participate in active applied learning throughout your degree program. Our accomplished faculty teach and mentor each individual student in a welcoming Christ-centered environment. Our highest priority is helping you develop your talents for a rewarding life, not only a career.