A memory apparatus and method of operation is provided. The apparatus includes memory cells connected to word lines and bit lines and configured to retain a threshold voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of data states following a program operation. A control circuit is coupled to the word lines and the bit lines. The control circuit is configured to count a bit-scan quantity of the memory cells during a bit-scan of the program operation. The control circuit determines whether the bit-scan quantity of the plurality of memory cells is greater than at least one predetermined bit-scan threshold. In response to the bit-scan quantity of the memory cells being greater than the at least one predetermined bit-scan threshold, the control circuit is configured to adjust a word line ramp rate of a word line voltage applied to the word lines during the program operation.