Pharmacy students exceed national average on residency matches

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy Class of 2018 again exceeded the national average for residency matches, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

KU’s Pharm.D. students matched at a rate of 79 percent, compared with a national rate of 65 percent. Of the 149 members of this year's graduation class, 56 sought a residency program.

Graduates seeking a residency often apply to multiple programs. Following an interview process, the students and the program directors rank one another. When the numbers line up, a match is made.

The number of pharmacy students applying to and securing residencies is on the rise nationwide. Settings are varied and include hospitals, community pharmacies, managed care and more.

Professor Janelle Ruisinger, faculty adviser to the School of Pharmacy’s Residency Club, said residency programs allow newly graduated students the opportunity to expand upon the knowledge and skills learned in pharmacy school.

“Residency programs are not easy, and the workload is often intense,” Ruisinger said. “But most residents say the professional gains more than make up for the hard work. The general consensus is that a one-year residency is equal to three to five years of work experience.”