College of Pharmacy Residency Match Rate Among Country's Best

Nearly 90% of the College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2023 who participated in the national matching program for post-graduate pharmacy residencies received residency appointments.

The national match rate was 81.8%, and the match rates for other colleges of pharmacy in Pennsylvania ranged from 72.7% to 88%.

“We’re incredibly proud of our students,” says College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Rebecca Finley. “The match rate for Jefferson graduates has consistently exceeded the national match rate since the first College of Pharmacy graduating class in 2012. Coupled with our Class of 2022 licensing board pass rate of over 96%, this accomplishment speaks volumes about our program’s quality.”

Residencies are optional post-graduate training programs for pharmacists, Dr. Finley notes. Nationally, 25-30% of pharmacy graduates apply to residencies, and 70-80% of those students who apply match to a residency program.

College of Pharmacy Class of 2023 graduates will begin their residencies at top training sites, including several Jefferson Health locations like Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia and Jefferson Abington Hospital; Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Milton S. Hershey Medical Center; Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center; Lancaster General Hospital; Nemours Children’s Hospital and Inspira Medical Centers.

Among them is Doctor of Pharmacy student Anastasia Ahern. Matching at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City, she collaborated with many Jefferson pharmacists during her fourth year at the University.

“While on rotations, I learned an incredible amount from everyone I met and discovered new interests,” says Ahern, an active member of the American Pharmacist Association at Jefferson. “It’s a great opportunity, and I look forward to starting there in June.”