South Dakota State University’s most recent graduating class of pharmacy students achieved a 100% pass rate on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), becoming the highest in the nation. This is an outstanding accomplishment that highlights the university’s commitment to excellence in education.
SDSU is home to the only pharmacy school in South Dakota. The program accepts up to 65 students every year through a competitive admissions process based on academic performance and communication skills. The accredited program is six years in length, made up of different stages for students; four years on campus in Brookings, one year at the Sioux Falls Metro Center, and the last year involves eight clinical rotations. Students graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm. D.) and experience what will prepare them for professional practice. In the months following graduation, students become eligible to take a standardized exam, the NAPLEX, to evaluate and ensure they are prepared to practice pharmacy.
“The NAPLEX is a bar or benchmark for evaluating student preparedness for entering practice,” said Shanna O’ Connor, Department Head and Associate Professor of pharmacy practice. “It is a long exam, it’s hours, it’s really hard, and essentially testing all of the information that a pharmacist needs to know.”
Students use the knowledge gained through their coursework to prepare for the exam. SDSU Pharmacy graduate, Tara Gilk, explained her time leading up to the exam day.
“I spent about two to three weeks, six hours per day, studying, utilizing the RxPrep book, video, and test question bank,” said Gilk.
Students are given six hours to complete the rigorous 225 question exam. Once completed, they await results for about a week. “I studied to the best of my ability prior to the exam so I tried to keep those good thoughts running through my head during the exam,” Gilk said. “I was so relieved when I walked out of the testing site. The thought of taking the NAPLEX weighs on your shoulders for weeks and to finally be finished is a good feeling.”
In 2024, the national average pass rate on the exam was 77.5%. SDSU’s students ranked the highest with 100%. Dean and Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Dan Hansen explained what this means to him and the program.
“This result builds upon a long history of success. I am proud of the students, faculty, staff and preceptors,” Hansen said. “Accomplishments like this take a team and each and every one of them played an important role.”
The combination of rigor and support has positioned SDSU as a leader in pharmacy education. The program focuses on not only preparing students to succeed academically, but also to excel in their careers.
“There’s a culture of high expectations and accountability for students that helps them develop as a professional but there’s also a culture of support for students and making sure they’ve got help when they need it,” O’Connor said.
The balance between support and challenge is something students say makes SDSU feel like home.
“I had a great experience at SDSU. I felt at home from the minute I stepped onto campus,” Gilk said. “The class size is the perfect size to have quality individual time with faculty members and interacting with the members of the class.”
Hansen promotes growth in the program by encouraging prospective students and those interested in the field to explore SDSU’s pharmacy program.
“The demand for our graduates is close to an all-time high right now,” Hansen said. “If you enjoy math and science and are considering a career in healthcare, I encourage you to reach out to learn more about the profession.”
