Frequency of Course Remediation and the Effect on NAPLEX Pass Rates

Abstract

Objective. Remediation is a tool which allows students to correct an academic deficiency after earning an unsatisfactory grade. There is a lack of data on remediation processes and its impact on future academic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of remediation frequency on NAPLEX performance.

Methods. The primary analysis was the relationship between the NAPLEX first-time pass rate and the frequency of course remediations (no remediations, one remediation, and two or more remediations). Additional analyses included the correlation between the NAPLEX scaled score and the number of course remediations and characteristics of the course remediated.

Results. A total of 116 students with NAPLEX data were included for analysis. Compared to students who never remediated, NAPLEX first-time pass rates were similar among those who remediated only one course; however, students who remediated two or more courses had significantly lower NAPLEX pass rates. Remediation in courses mapped to PCOA Area 4 (Clinical Sciences) and courses with mixed PCOA content areas were negatively correlated with NAPLEX scaled scores. A significant negative correlation existed between P2 and P3 year remediations and NAPLEX scaled score but was not significant for the P1 year.

Conclusion. Multiple course remediations are negatively correlated with NAPLEX scaled scores and a reduced first-time NAPLEX pass rate with a single course remediation having no effect. Institutions should aim to evaluate their current remediation practices and assess whether additional support should be provided to students with multiple course remediations.