POCATELLO — Idaho State University's L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy was among the top five schools in the nation for licensing pass rates in 2025, and the highest-scoring school in the Western United States.

Out of 142 Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education schools, only 12 achieved a pass rate of 95% or more in 2025. The ISU L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy boasted a pass rate of 97.9%.

“These results reflect incredible collaboration between our students, faculty and staff,” said Rex Force, vice president for health sciences and senior vice provost.

Faculty in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at ISU’s L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy have intentionally designed and continuously refined a contemporary, forward-looking curriculum that prepares graduates for modern pharmacy practice. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, medication optimization and compassionate patient-centered care while equipping students to meet the demands of rigorous standardized assessments, such as the NAPLEX.

The curriculum is uniquely aligned with the advanced pharmacy practice authority granted to pharmacists in Idaho and Alaska, preparing graduates to serve as independent practitioners practicing at the top of their education, training and experience.

“We are so proud of this team; their focus on excellence really ensures our curriculum truly does prepare world-class pharmacists," said Tom Wadsworth, dean for the College of Pharmacy.

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, is a critical component of the pharmacist licensure process in the United States. The 225-question examination assesses graduating student pharmacists’ competency to practice safely and effectively. A passing score is required for pharmacist licensure nationwide.