Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy (CUWSOP) continues its tradition of excellence with its latest residency match rates data surpassing national averages for the eighth year in a row.
For Phase I of the 2025 residency match, 88 percent of CUWSOP students who pursued Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) residencies successfully matched, outpacing the national PGY1 match average by seven points. Additionally, CUW’s Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) candidates achieved an impressive 90 percent residency match rate, well above the national PGY2 average of 76 percent.
“These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, as well as the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff to prepare them for real-world success,” said Erik Jorvig, PhD, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “We are proud to see our graduates continually rise to meet and exceed national expectations, earning placements at top-tier residency programs across the country.”
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) oversees the National Resident Matching Program, which pairs pharmacy graduates with postgraduate residency programs. The process provides an impartial and balanced system for applicants and programs alike, ensuring an equitable match based on mutual preference.
The benefits of residencies
Pharmacy residencies are optional but highly sought-after postgraduate experiences for licensed pharmacists. These programs provide advanced training in patient care, project management, leadership, and teaching under the guidance of seasoned pharmacy professionals. Residencies, which typically last one to two years, are increasingly viewed as essential for pharmacists who aspire to serve in clinical roles, leadership positions, or specialized practice areas.
CUWSOP students not only outperformed the national average, they demonstrated a strong commitment to serving local communities. A significant portion of Concordia’s 2025 residency matches will see graduates remain in Wisconsin, with the remainder accepting placements at programs spanning across the Midwest and beyond.
Match rates pad accomplishments
These match results build upon CUWSOP’s growing list of accomplishments. Concordia’s graduates consistently post above-average scores on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), demonstrating the program’s ability to prepare practice-ready pharmacists who excel both academically and professionally.
This year, 82 percent of Concordia pharmacy students passed the NAPLEX on their first attempt, which puts CUW in the top third of schools nationally. The CUW class of 2024’s NAPLEX pass rate was above that of multiple pharmacy schools in the region, including six out of seven programs in Illinois, Purdue University in Indiana, University of Iowa, and University of Minnesota Twin Cities. CUW also beat out its local competitor, The Medical College of Wisconsin.
“We are blessed to be part of a university that supports a mission-driven, student-focused approach to healthcare education,” added Jorvig. “Whether our graduates pursue residencies, community practice, or leadership roles, we are committed to helping them realize their God-given purpose in service to patients and communities.”
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. At the School of Pharmacy, we are a pharmacy family that supports your studies, your development, and your goals to become a caring and skilled pharmacist. As a pharmacy school focused on servant leadership, we will give you dedicated opportunities to provide pharmacy-related services to underserved populations in our area and abroad. For more information, click the link below.