Pharmacy residencies can play a pivotal role in launching a successful clinical career. These structured postgraduate programs prepare pharmacists for advanced practice, specialization, and leadership in a variety of healthcare settings.

Whether you're pursuing direct patient care, academic roles, or long-term advancement, this guide outlines the core of what pharmacy residency is all about—and why it matters.

🎥 Video Insight: Should I Pursue a Pharmacy Residency? – A helpful video to help students decide whether residency aligns with their goals.

What Is a Pharmacy Residency?

A pharmacy residency is a postgraduate training program designed to enhance clinical skills, critical thinking, and leadership in real-world settings. These programs typically fall into two categories:

PGY1 (Postgraduate Year One): Focuses on generalist training across areas like internal medicine, critical care, ambulatory care, and operations.
PGY2 (Postgraduate Year Two): Offers specialized training in fields like oncology, infectious diseases, pediatrics, ambulatory care, and more.

Residencies are often accredited by ASHP and are considered essential for those pursuing board certification or clinical pharmacy roles.

Benefits of Residency

✅ Increased confidence in managing real patient cases
✅ Mentorship from experienced preceptors and clinicians
✅ Competitive advantage for fellowships and job placement
✅ Preparation for board certification (e.g., BCPS)
✅ Exposure to research, teaching, and administrative projects

Residencies aren't easy—but the professional growth can be transformative.

PGY1 vs PGY2

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Residency Year	Focus Area	Ideal For
PGY1	Broad, foundational training	New grads entering practice
PGY2	Specialized clinical training (e.g., ID, EM)	PGY1 grads seeking to specialize

PGY2 is optional but recommended for those aiming to work in a specialty area or academia.

The Application & Match Process

The path to residency includes several steps:

Explore Programs
Use the Unscripted Rx Directory to browse residencies by location, setting, and specialty. It’s faster and cleaner than most traditional tools.
Prepare Materials
Gather your:
- CV
- Letters of intent
- Letters of recommendation
- Pharmacy school transcripts
Interviews
Prepare for clinical questions, behavioral interviews, and possible presentations.
Submit Rankings
Finalize your Rank Order List through NMS (National Matching Services), which pairs applicants with programs based on mutual preference.

Tips for Success

Start researching programs early (summer to early fall)
Tailor each application with intention
Network at showcases and through student organizations
Ask mentors and residents about their experience
Watch YouTube videos and walkthroughs on my channel

Helpful Resources

🔎 Unscripted Rx Residency Directory
🎥 Should I Pursue a Pharmacy Residency? (YouTube)
📺 Full Pharmacy YouTube Channel
🧭 NMS Match Overview
📘 ACCP Compass Residency Guide

Blog.

Pharmacy Residency 101