The Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Class of 2024 ranked among the top 20 pharmacy schools in the country on the North American Pharmacists Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), according to results posted recently.

Administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the NAPLEX exam is taken by recent doctoral graduates to evaluate knowledge of pharmacy practice. It is the required examination used by state boards of pharmacy to assess a candidate’s competence to practice.

The WSU Doctor of Pharmacy graduates had a first-time pass rate of 88.9%, well ahead of the national average of 77.5%. This is the third consecutive year that Applebaum pharmacy ranked in the top 25 of 143 US pharmacy schools for NAPLEX pass rates.

“I am proud of our students’ achievements,” said Brian Cummings, Dean of WSU Applebaum. “This is a testament to the collective effort of faculty, staff, and preceptors to deliver a world class education to prepare pharmacists ready to enter practice.”

Healthcare professions continue to face high worker shortages across the state of Michigan and throughout the country. According to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Labor Market Analysis, the demand for healthcare professions in the state will increase 10% through 2033. The demand for pharmacists alone is expected to increase nearly 5%.

Wayne State University’s pharmacy program, which just celebrated its 100^th year, has a long tradition of health innovation in education and service in Detroit. Leveraging community partnerships, research, and intensive training, the pharmacy program is helping meet the healthcare needs of Michigan communities and beyond.

“We know our graduates have excellent employment opportunities and residency match rates, and they’re prepared to serve the patients in their communities,” said Susan Davis, Associate Dean for Pharmacy. “Success on the NAPLEX is just one measure of our strong commitment to student success.”

WSU Applebaum celebrates employment rates over 90% for its graduates, and for many of its programs the rate is 100%. Its nearly 11,000 graduates living in Michigan continue to empower health and meet the critical demands of Michigan’s communities.