Global Education Implications of the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination

Abstract

Although the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) is not intended to measure educational outcomes or institutional effectiveness, it may be a reliable and valid criterion to assess the quality or success of international pharmacy programs. This comprehensive review describes the evolution and historical milestones of the FPGEE, along with trends in structure, administration, and passing rates, and the impact of country of origin on participant performance. Similarities between the FPGEE and the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) are also explored. This paper aims to provide a global prospective and insight for foreign academic institutions into parameters for evaluating their students' educational capabilities.

Perceptions of Nigerian final year undergraduate students of the adequacy of the pharmacy curriculum for mental health care

“…Nigeria is one of the largest exporters of a pharmacy workforce to many developed countries, including the UK and Canada; therefore, it is imperative that Nigeria's pharmacy curriculum meets global practice standards. In Nigeria, one pharmacy school, the University of Benin, has been offering a 6‐year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree for more than a decade, whereas other schools are in the process of shifting to the PharmD degree in line with the recommendation of the PCN.…”

Book Reviews

“…However, because of its comprehensive nature and the inclusion of convenient, concise appendices, it also may be valuable to those preparing for the NAPLEX, or serve as a reference tool for practicing pharmacists. The text's in-depth social, behavioral, and administrative pharmacy sciences section may prove to be exceptionally helpful to those preparing for the FPGEE as it is thorough and comprehensive coverage of what is typically the most difficult for graduates of foreign pharmacy schools to master 1 …”

“…1 The FPGEE covers 4 subject areas, including biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social/behavioral/administrative sciences, and clinical sciences. 1 After successful completion of these 2 examinations, the graduates must also pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).…”

“…1 The FPGEE covers 4 subject areas, including biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social/behavioral/administrative sciences, and clinical sciences. 1 After successful completion of these 2 examinations, the graduates must also pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). 1 The APhA Complete Review for the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination provides a summary review of basic sciences and pharmaceutical sciences in order to prepare for the FPGEE.…”

“…1 After successful completion of these 2 examinations, the graduates must also pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). 1 The APhA Complete Review for the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination provides a summary review of basic sciences and pharmaceutical sciences in order to prepare for the FPGEE. This study guide summarizes material and is not intended to be an all-encompassing review of the topics presented.…”