Ashley Rogers is a final-year PharmD candidate at the Notre Dame University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and Abbey Otto is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy.
Entering the final year of pharmacy school comes with both excitement and uncertainty, especially when it comes to deciding what’s next after graduation. For many, residency offers unique opportunities to grow as a practitioner, gain specialized clinical training, and open doors for future career paths. While the residency process can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. With thoughtful planning and preparation, you can reduce the stress of application season and approach Match Day with confidence.
Start with your “why”
Before diving into residency applications, it’s important to remember that residency isn’t one-size-fits-all. While it can open doors to many opportunities, it’s crucial to reflect on your long-term goals and whether residency training will equip you with the skills you need to achieve them. Knowing your “why” can keep you focused, prevent you from getting stuck in the weeds, and can guide the steps you must take to achieve your career goals.
What are the types of residencies? Knowing your options
Residency training falls into two categories: PGY1 and PGY2. As a final-year student pharmacist, it’s important to understand the differences between them and the doors each pathway can open.
PGY1 programs typically provide broad training in acute care, but other opportunities exist in community, managed care, ambulatory care, and health-systems settings. Combined PGY1 and PGY2 programs exist as well and are another route to consider when searching programs. Researching each type of program helps you narrow down which path you’d like to pursue and helps you find programs that align with both your personal and career goals.
PGY2 training offers specialized training, building on the foundation gained during PGY1. Rotations focus on a particular area and often prepare practitioners for board certification and advanced practice in that field. Even if you’re unsure about pursuing PGY2 training, it’s useful to know the opportunities available and how they can help shape your career path.
Finding the right fit
Choosing which programs to apply to can feel like one of the most stressful parts of the residency process, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by thinking about location. Are you tied to a specific area, or are you open to moving? From there, consider what you hope to gain from a program. Do you want to pursue a teaching certificate? Would you prefer a program with multiple co-residents or one with a smaller cohort? Or are you hoping to pursue a PGY2 at the same facility? Some programs offer the opportunity for early commitment to a PGY2 program, which is important to consider as well. Creating a checklist of your priorities can help you stay organized and makes it easier to evaluate how each program aligns with your career goals.
While it’s helpful to keep an open mind, casting too wide of a net can quickly become overwhelming. Each additional program means more applications to prepare, and the process can be both time-consuming and costly. To avoid burnout, set a realistic limit on the number of programs you plan to apply to. Being intentional with your list not only reduces stress but also allows you to dedicate more energy to tailoring your applications to the programs that matter most to you. One practical way to stay organized is by creating an Excel sheet of programs, including important aspects such as location, program size/number of co-residents, hospital size, PGY2 opportunities, and your personal priority rankings. This makes it easier to compare programs, see which opportunities align best with your goals, and keeps you organized throughout the process.
Letters that speak for you
As application season approaches, it’s important to identify potential letter writers who can provide strong recommendations. A strong letter goes beyond your CV, speaking to your clinical knowledge, work ethic, professionalism, and/or leadership. Potential letter writers include preceptors, supervisors, or organizational advisors who know you well and can speak to your growth and contributions in a positive, detailed way.
When asking for a letter, be sure to reach out well in advance. This not only gives your writer enough time to prepare but also allows them to reflect on your experiences together so they can craft a thoughtful, personalized letter. Pay attention to program requirements: Most programs ask for three, some require four, and certain programs specify that at least one or two letters come from clinical preceptors. Double-checking these requirements ensures your application is both complete and competitive. Overall, when determining who you are going to ask to write a letter be sure to ask someone who knows you well and who can speak about you as a pharmacist as well as a person.
Perfecting your CV
Your CV is a key component of your residency application, showcasing everything you have accomplished as a student pharmacist. Keeping your CV updated can be time-consuming, and many advise setting aside time regularly—such as after each rotation block—to ensure your CV is up to date and accurate. A well-organized CV should clearly outline experiences such as APPE rotations, work experience, research experience, leadership positions, and many other areas. Online templates can be helpful in structuring your document, but the most important step is to carefully proofread and seek continuous feedback from professors, preceptors, or mentors.
Crafting your letters of intent
Letters of intent give programs the opportunity to see who you are beyond your CV and why you’re specifically interested in their program. In these letters, it is important to highlight what stood out to you during your research on the program, explain why you would make a strong resident, and describe how the program aligns with your career goals.
While each letter should be individualized, you don’t need to start from scratch for every program—developing a strong template can save time while still allowing for personalization. Be sure to proofread each letter carefully and consider asking others for feedback. Finally, when saving your documents, include the program’s name in the file title to ensure you send the correct letter to the correct program.
Looking ahead
Residency application season is both exciting and stressful. Starting early is key, as preparation now builds confidence and resilience later. Focus on actionable items such as perfecting your CV and researching programs. As you progress through APPE rotations, keep potential letter writers in mind and reflect on your “why” to craft strong letters of intent.
Remember—you’ve got this!