Pacific Pharmacist Career Pathways
Supported by the Office of Student Affairs

What is a pharmacy residency?

A pharmacy residency is an organized, directed, postgraduate training program in a defined area of pharmacy practice. It provides the knowledge and experience that pharmacy practitioners need to face challenges in today's complex health-care environment, while also providing essential skills to meet the practice demands of the future. Increasingly, many employment opportunities indicate a strong preference for individuals who have completed an ASHP-accredited residency.

It's been estimated that 1-2 years of residency training is equivalent to 3-5 years of practice experience, given the extended hours worked and exposure to multiple specialty clinical roles.

The short and long term benefits of completing a residency program are numerous. Benefits offered during residency vary from program to program but often include a salary range of $45,000-$55,000, health insurance, paid time off, meal discounts, parking, laptop, electronic and physical library, monogrammed lab coat and scrubs, BLS and ACLS certification, live continuing education, professional pharmacy organization membership, and paid conference attendance. 

 

Looking to the future: 

Over the last 5 years, almost 15,000 graduates have earned PharmD degrees each year. Looking to the future, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated little to no growth in pharmacists jobs between 2018 and 2028. Retail pharmacist positions are expected to decrease by 9,000 (-5.1%), while clinical positions are projected to increase by 5,100 over that time span. (Leonard, B. Matched. p7)

 

Residency application process

ASHP residency programs, both accredited and seeking accreditation, can be found on the ASHP Online Residency Directory website. On this site you can filter by program type, specialty, location and other desired parameters. the program listings include application requirements and due dates, residency program and residency program director contact information, National Matching Services codes, program descriptions, and unique benefits. 

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To complete a residency application, signing up for the "PhORCAS" service is required. PhORCAS is a service that allows you to provide personal information, upload your CV and letters of intent, and request letters of recommendation and official transcripts. 

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The "Match" is the required matching program used by ASHP and administered by the National Matching Service. This is where rank order lists are submitted by candidates and programs after interviews are completed. 

After submitting your final application materials through PhORCAS, interview invitations will be sent out in the next couple of weeks.

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Residency timeline and key dates

The exact Match timeline is updated every year. Please find the ASHP Match Schedule using the link below:

Residency Schedule of Dates

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How can I become a strong candidate?

 

• Programs look for well-rounded students with clear professional and personal goals. Grades matter but they are not the most important component in getting a residency.  Good communication skills are vital.

• Get involved in pharmacy organizations and community service activities that match your goals.  It is not the quantity but the quality that matters.

• Select rotations that are clinically challenging or unique.  Make sure you go above and beyond the rotation expectations.

• Consider co-authoring or doing a poster presentation.

• Develop strong relationships with faculty, preceptors and employers who will provide you with a strong reference letter.