Survey of Pass/Fail Grading Systems in US Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Programs

Abstract

Objective. To understand how colleges and schools of pharmacy utilize pass/fail grading systems in Doctor of Pharmacy curricula.Methods. An electronic survey with 15 selected response items and six open-ended questions was developed and distributed in 2020 to the 10 academic pharmacy programs known to utilize a pass/fail grading system to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Results. Leaders from eight of the 10 programs identified responded to the survey. Programs varied regarding the types of courses for which they utilize a pass/fail grading system and whether numerical scores are shared with students. A variety of grade designations (honors, pass, no pass, fail, satisfactory, etc.) are used, and the minimum pass level varies by program, ranging from 70% to 90%. For those institutions that utilize post-course remediation, the majority of remediation occurs immediately following the academic term or in the summer. The type of information shared with residency program directors (GPA, class rank, overall percentile, qualitative comments, etc.) varies among pass/fail programs. Conclusion.How pass/fail grading systems are utilized is inconsistent across schools and colleges pharmacy. Programs that utilize a criterion-based grading system might benefit from engaging in future conversations with one another to determine if and how consistency might be realized among terminology, passing level, percentages, grade point averages, and progression. Additional insights on post-graduate training requirements and honorary societies is warranted should pass/fail grading expand as it has in medical education. Further research on this topic may lead to greater understanding and adoption across the pharmacy academy.