APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program
The APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program consists of five fellowship positions. The program is
designed to challenge motivated individuals who have ambitions to contribute towards advancement of the
pharmacy profession. The fellows work on high impact projects, representing APhA's members and developing
their leadership skills alongside many pharmacy leaders during their 1-year term with the association.
Postgraduate Training Programs: Executive Fellowship and Fellowships
The APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program provides pharmacists with training and experience in foundational
association management at a national level to support APhA’s vision, mission, and reputation as the leading
professional organization representing pharmacists in all practice settings. Fellows contribute to APhA’s strategic
priorities and operations through collaborations with staff teams across the organization, developing lifelong
skills to advance the profession of pharmacy.
This rigorous experience provides the opportunity to meet, interact with, and learn from well-respected and highly
regarded professionals who are passionate about bold and transformational progress for the profession. Aspiring
pharmacy leaders are encouraged to apply if they are motivated to implement innovative ideas, have a will to inspire
change, and a desire to collaborate with members to advance the profession.
Positions within the program are 12-month paid opportunities that will take place at the historic APhA Headquarters
located on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Departments
Executive Fellowship, APhA Foundation
The APhA Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of improving health by inspiring philanthropy,
research, and innovation that advances pharmacists’ patient care services. The APhA Fellow is responsible for
training individuals for leadership positions within the profession, completing a Certificate in Association
Management through the American Society of Association Executives, interacting with senior staff, attending
board meetings, and collaborating with Foundation staff to oversee Incentive Grants, Scholarships, and Pinnacle
Awards.
Learn more
Fellowship,
Board of Pharmacy Specialties
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) learning experience provides a unique opportunity for residents to gain
insight into the purpose, impact, and value of certification. Residents will be exposed to high-priority issues
within the professional pharmacy landscape from the perspective of a certification agency, with a focus on
specialization and advanced practice in the U.S. and around the globe. While integrated as a collaborative
member on the Professional Affairs, Communications and Engagement (PACE) team, residents will engage internally
with the other BPS teams (e.g., operations and logistics; psychometrics, testing, and research; and quality
assurance) and externally with volunteer leaders, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders. Residents will
enhance knowledge and skills in communications and project management by engaging in topic discussions,
participating in meetings, and contributing to strategic goals and initiatives.
Learn more
Fellowship,
Education
The Education Department is responsible for providing informative continuing education and other educational
resources for a variety of pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in all practice settings.
Fellows in this department are involved in the content development process from start to finish, including
concept development, communication with subject matter experts (SMEs), content creation and review, project
management, instructional design, learning management and technology integrations, and post-publication
marketing. Fellows will continuously interface with various SMEs in a variety of areas to help create materials
and training for all APhA members. Fellows will also gain cross-departmental exposure to business development,
business strategy, and leadership development
Fellowship, Professional Affairs & Government Affairs
The Professional Affairs & Government Affairs teams work closely together to advocate for practices and
policies that advance the pharmacy profession. The Professional Affairs team collaborates with external
interested parties and groups to advance patient care service delivery, support coverage for pharmacists’
patient care services, advance pharmacists’ impact on public health and health equity, and address practice
infrastructure needs. The Government Affairs team monitors and engages in federal and state legislative and
regulatory activities that impact pharmacy, and educates pharmacists and student pharmacists on the importance
of grassroots advocacy. Fellows will spend time between both the Professional Affairs and Government Affairs
departments to advance the mission of the association and promote the role of the pharmacists and pharmacy
personnel in health care
Benefits
- Competitive stipend consistent with that of other pharmacy residencies and fellowships
- Social Security withholdings through payroll deductions
- Health and dental insurance (family coverage may be obtained)
- Group term life insurance and long-term disability insurance
- Ten days personal leave during the 1-year period
Qualifications
The APhA staff will select fellows based on the following qualifications:
- The applicant must be a graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited
college or school of pharmacy.
- The applicant must be recommended by present or former employers, preceptors, college faculty, or dean.
How to apply
The application process for the 2026-2027 APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program is now open. Applications are due December 14, 2025, at 11:59 (PT).
As part of the process, applicants will be asked to rank their preferred fellowship type (Board of Pharmacy
Specialties, Education, APhA Foundation, and Professional Affairs and Government Affairs). Also,
electronically submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) via the application form. At a minimum, the
following should be included in the applicant’s CV and/or cover letter:
- Contact information: Name, address, phone number, and email address
- Education and training: Institutions, locations, years attended, dates of graduation, type of training
or major subject, degrees, and certificates
- Professional and related experience: Institution or organization, location, dates, type of work, and
position title
- Organizational memberships (including positions held and activities): Professional, honorary, service,
and social
- Publications
- Honors or awards received
- Personal objectives: Brief description of future goals and aspirations, and why the APhA Executive
Postgraduate Training Program will be of value
The application also requires two letters of recommendation from any of the following: a present or former
employer, preceptor, college faculty, or dean, which must be submitted directly within the application
portal.
For more information and questions, please contact APhA’s Tom English at tenglish@aphanet.org.
APPLY NOW
We are also accepting applications for a 2026-2027 Advanced Education Fellow (PGY1 Required). This advanced specialty learning experience in pharmacy association management is designed to prepare fellows for a career in teaching, creation of educational content, and leadership. More information can be found here.
Testimonials
2025-2026 APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program Fellows share their experiences:
Ayo Adefioye, Advanced Education Fellow
I am proud to grow as both a pharmacist and an educator with the APhA Education Department. It has helped me connect passion with purpose and bring innovation to pharmacy education. I’m grateful to be part of a program that empowers pharmacists, impacts patient care, and elevates the future of pharmacy. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!
Brian Cottingim, Professional Affairs & Government Affairs Fellow
This fellowship has opened the door to a variety of exciting projects that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve gained hands-on experience in a fast-changing pharmacy landscape and had the chance to contribute to meaningful work alongside incredible mentors. Each opportunity has helped me build the skills I need to work with health care teams and external partners in the future. More than anything, this fellowship is helping me lay a strong foundation for a career where I can lead, collaborate, and make a real impact in the field of pharmacy.
Nicole Sandoval, APhA Foundation Executive Fellow
Serving as the APhA Foundation Executive Fellow has truly exceeded my expectations and affirmed my passion for association management and leadership. Since first exploring this career path as the 2023 APhA Carl F. Emswiller Summer Intern, I hoped for an opportunity to continue growing in a role that combined service, leadership, and meaningful impact. This fellowship has delivered that and more. From day one, APhA welcomed me as a valued member of the team, empowering me to contribute to projects that shape pharmacy practice on a national scale. I have especially appreciated the chance to rotate across departments, gaining a well-rounded perspective while building skills that will serve me throughout my career.
Kaitlyn Valentino, Education Fellow
This fellowship has helped me to grow in ways I never even considered. The amount I have learned in such a short time and the people I have met through this fellowship are, and will be, invaluable throughout my future endeavors. The fellowship offers a thoughtful space to grow as a pharmacy professional and supplies me with the skills and opportunities to continue to advance the pharmacy profession. My APhA experience has not only helped me grow both personally and professionally, but also reinforced the importance of pharmacists advocating for both patients and the profession, as well as promoting the growth of future pharmacists. I can only hope that one day I can influence student pharmacists and new practitioners the way my preceptors here have guided me.
Emily Weyenberg, Board of Pharmacy Specialties Fellow
My experience with BPS has been nothing short of exceptional. I have the privilege of working with an incredible team whose support has been instrumental in both my personal and professional growth. Their mentorship and expertise have challenged me to think critically, take initiative, and fine-tune my leadership abilities. This fellowship has allowed me to contribute to projects that advance the pharmacy profession while strengthening my confidence and reinforcing my passion for association management. I have developed valuable skills in communication, project management, and leadership that will serve me well throughout my career. I am deeply grateful for this experience and the supportive and inspiring environment I get to work in every day.