Western New England University is moving forward with a pledge to academically support pharmacy and occupational therapy graduates beyond graduation as they prepare for the national board certifications at no additional cost to the students.
Most Western New England University (WNE) professional students who graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree successfully pass the national licensure exams on the first attempt. Students are prepared with the fundamental knowledge and experience required to pass, and the goal is always a 100% pass rate. Some graduates, however, face extenuating circumstances and may not pass on the first attempt.
WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will provide counseling and a tailor-made course of study that will strengthen student preparation for success on the second attempt. While hopefully unnecessary, WNE will continue to provide specific, individualized guidance for up to five attempts, at no additional tuition cost to the student.
“We know our students’ investment in their own professional development is substantial, and we believe our support of their goal should be just as substantial,” said John Pezzuto, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “Our pledge is to stand by our students' side even when it takes fortitude and perseverance after graduation.”
WNE PharmD pass rates have historically exceeded the national average, which for 2023 was 77.5 % according to the most recent data released by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The pass rate of first-time test takers of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) for the most recent graduating WNE class (Class of 2023) was 81%.
Pass rates for first-time test takers of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy for the most recent graduating WNE class (Class of 2023) was 92%.
A failure to pass the national licensure becomes a barrier to employment. A 2021 American Association of College of Pharmacy survey indicated that student pharmacists incur an average debt exceeding $170,000 by the time of graduation.
About the Classes of 2028
This year, WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences welcomed 61 new Doctor of Pharmacy students during its annual White Coat Ceremony held August 22 at Sleith Hall at Western New England University. Incoming class members donned white laboratory coats, a symbol of clinical service and care, which they will wear in various capacities throughout their four-year tenure at the college. The WNE Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Begun in 2017, WNE’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program welcomed its 8th cohort of 20 students in its first ever Welcome Ceremony held August 30. The occasion was marked by the presentation of white WNE OTD stoles, symbolizing fresh beginnings, and loyalty, and unified toward one common goal: meaningful wellbeing. The department also announced the launch of its first OT distance learning program this fall. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is fully accredited through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
