Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy once again bested the average of students nationwide who have attempted and successfully matched to an accredited pharmacy residency program, earning it the 9th best match rate in the U.S. out of 147 schools.
Of the 21 students from the CUW class of 2022 who participated, 88 percent received placements this year. According to results released last week by the American Society of Health-system Pharmacist (ASHP), Concordia’s match rate surpasses the national average by nearly 14 points. The ASHP National Resident Matching Program provides an unbiased mechanism for matching applicants’ preferences with those of residency programs across the country.
The percentage of students at Concordia who opted for a residency is also greater than most other pharmacy schools. Reports from literature show that national average participation rates tend to hover around 26 percent. Concordia’s was 44 percent. Additionally, six Concordia students successfully early committed/matched to PGY2 residencies. This is a 100 percent success rate for those who attempted to match.
What is a residency?
Pharmacy residencies are optional educational experiences for licensed pharmacists. They focus on the resident providing patient care and furthering their project, leadership, and teaching skills under the preceptorship of experienced pharmacists. Residencies take place in hospitals, ambulatory care settings, community pharmacies, and managed care organizations. They are fast becoming a requisite for obtaining a position in many settings where pharmacists are involved in direct patient care.
Residencies typically last one to two years and begin in early July. Concordia’s 2023 graduates will primarily serve Wisconsin residents through residency experiences. Nineteen (83%) matched within the state. The remainder matched with programs in Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Georgia, and Connecticut.
Impressive NAPLEX and MPJE scores
These latest results add to the School of Pharmacy’s ongoing success rates. National NAPLEX results show that Concordia students finished in the top quartile of all schools. NAPLEX is the official licensure exam to assess clinical knowledge for pharmacists. Meanwhile, MPJE results place CUW in the top third of all schools nationally and as the top performer in Wisconsin. The MPJE is unique per state and tests knowledge of the legal framework for pharmacy practice. Passing both NAPLEX and MPJE is required to practice pharmacy in the state of WI.
“We are proud of the continued success of our students and soon to be graduates in matching with excellent residency programs both in Wisconsin and nationwide and grateful for the trust those residency sites continue to place in the high quality of our pharmacy graduates. We are always excited when we can help our graduates succeed in their chosen vocation within pharmacy, whether it is residency, community practice or whatever else it may be.” Erik C. Jorvig, PhD, dean of Concordia’s School of Pharmacy.
Want in?
As a CUW pharmacy student, you can expect to participate in active applied learning throughout your degree program. Our accomplished faculty teach and mentor each individual student in a welcoming Christ-centered environment. Our highest priority is helping you develop your talents for a rewarding life, not only a career.