What is a Pharmacy Residency?

A pharmacy residency is an organized, mentored, post-graduate training program. Typically, a residency is completed directly after graduating from a Doctor of Pharmacy program. However, some may choose to complete residency after practicing as a licensed pharmacist for a few years.

What will I learn in a residency program?

You will learn the knowledge and gain the experience required of pharmacists in various areas of practice. You will have the opportunity to learn from pharmacists who are experts in their area of pharmacy.

Why should I do a residency?

This is an opportunity to bridge the gap between being a pharmacy student one day, and the next day being a licensed pharmacist. You will have the opportunity to fortify your strengths, strengthen your weaknesses, and develop confidence in your abilities as an individual pharmacist. Other benefits include a competitive advantage in the job market, networking opportunities, career planning, and attendance/participation at local and national meetings.

What is the duration of residency program?

Each residency is typically one year. They start July 1 and conclude June 30 each year. Some residencies are offered in combination with a postgraduate degree (M.S., MBA), and may take additional years to complete.

Are all residency programs the same?

No. The type of residency you select will depend on your career objectives. Traditionally, a PGY-1 residency is general and a resident explores different practice areas including ambulatory care, general medicine, critical care, and elective rotations. Some PGY-1 programs offer a more focused learning experience, such as a pediatric focused PGY-1 at a children’s hospital. There are also PGY-1 Programs that are not hospital based such as ambulatory care and community.

You may consider pursuing a second year, PGY-2 residency, which is where you would further specialize skills. When selecting a PGY-1 program, you should consider whether or not you’d like a PGY-2 and if the institution has a PGY-2 program affiliated with it. Ultimately, select a program that will prepare you for the type of job you eventually want to have. Examples of current residency types include:

• PGY-1 (“Pharmacy Practice” or “General”)
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Ambulatory Care
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology
• Pharmacy Management
• Managed Care
• Genomics
• Community
• Geriatrics
• Critical Care

Are residencies only for hospital-based programs?

No. There are many ambulatory based and community based programs. In fact, these programs are among the fastest growing type.

Do I get paid during this program?

Yes. Most residencies pay roughly $40,000-$45,000 for the year. Some programs allow the opportunity to pick-up extra pharmacist shifts to earn extra pay. Most programs offer fringe benefits (e.g. health care, investment opportunities, etc.). Also, you may be eligible for deferring payment on your student loans during the program.

I’m not sure what type of program is right for me. What do you suggest?

The most common type of residency is a PGY-1 (“Pharmacy Practice” or “General”) residency. It covers a broad spectrum of practice areas and patient types. Required experiences include acute care, ambulatory care, drug information, and practice management. In addition to these “core” elements, each program has various specialty areas to complete the training experience. Also, a research project (in collaboration with one of your preceptors) is completed during the residency year. Some programs include teaching/precepting opportunities in cooperation with an affiliated college of pharmacy. Finally, programs have various service (“staffing”) requirements. Typically, staffing requires functioning as a pharmacist during evening and/or weekend hours.

How do I apply for a residency program?

PGY-1 and PGY-2 residencies (ASHP-accredited) require participation in the residency-matching program. This is a formal process that attempts to match applicants to their choice of programs and vice versa. Programs that are in the process of receiving accreditation may also participate in the residency-matching program. Check with the individual programs to verify their accreditation, and match participation status.