Career Preparation in the School of Pharmacy
The residency pathway for School of Pharmacy students encompasses a three-year process of planning and career development. The process culminates in the spring of the third year, with students matching into their residencies and celebrating a successful match process together. Overseen by the Office of Experiential Education, this process of career development and planning supports students through education and advocacy. The Office of Experiential Education (OEE), headed by Sara Revolinski, PharmD, BCPS, offers a series of programming for students interested in pursuing a residency. OEE assists students with curriculum vitae development, writing SMART goals, exploring career pathways, and developing interview skills. Each fall, they offer an Experiential Education Expo, where students participate in mock interviews, refine their CVs, and attend a residency fair. This year, the Expo was conducted using WebEx technology to foster student development while practicing social distancing. Happily, the Expo was yet again successful in meeting students’ and residency program’s needs.
The residency application process begins in the summer before students’ final year, when they begin researching programs around the country and developing their application materials. At that time, students reach out to faculty and clinical preceptors for letters of recommendation. In the fall, students finalize their CVs and write cover letters to the various programs to which they intend to apply. All materials are uploaded into the PhORCAS, or Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service, system. Interviews are conducted in February, with rank lists being submitted in March and match results becoming available in April. Most residencies begin in July, after students have successfully graduated.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. We salute the village of faculty and staff who support our students in preparing for their careers in healthcare. And we wish our School of Pharmacy students the best of luck in matching into their desired residences!