KU Pharmacy students exceed national average on residency matches


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy Class of 2017 set a school record for residency matches and finished far above the national match rate, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

KU’s Pharm.D. students matched at a rate of 87 percent, compared to a national rate of 67 percent. Of the 157 members of the Class of 2017, 46 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 locations such as hospitals, community pharmacies, long-term care facilities and more.

Professor Janelle Ruisinger, faculty advisor 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 about five years of work experience.”

Fri, 05/12/2017

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Jackie Hosey

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Jackie Hosey

School of Pharmacy

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