Pharmacy Residency Programs

PGY1 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete PGY1 residency programs will be skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education, and be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e., BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.

To develop well-rounded, evidence-based, pharmacist clinicians who are prepared to attain the following:

• Direct patient care or PGY2 pharmacy resident positions
• Adjunct clinical faculty or preceptor appointments
• Board certification

Pharmacists completing our residency programs will be competent practitioners, skilled in evidenced-based, therapeutic medication management and direct patient care using an interdisciplinary team model. They will develop expertise in educating other healthcare professionals, students, patients, and the community on medication-related issues. Residents will gain confidence with drug literature evaluation, pharmacy research, and professional communication as well as leadership and project management. They will exhibit a profound commitment to the advancement of the pharmacy profession through continued self-monitoring and development of their own performance.

In July 2009, Billings Clinic launched its first PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program with 2 residents, which doubled the number of pharmacy resident positions in the state of Montana at that time. The program offered a mix of experiences in acute and ambulatory care.

In July 2013, the program expanded to 3 PGY1 pharmacy resident positions. The program expanded again in July 2017 to offer 4 PGY1 pharmacy resident positions, making it one of the largest programs in the state.

In July 2022, Billings Clinic shifted its resident positions and now offers 2 PGY1 pharmacy residency programs based in different practice settings.

• Acute care setting (ASHP program code: 84001): 3 resident positions
• Ambulatory care setting (ASHP program code: 84102): 1 resident position

Residents who successfully complete the requirements of our PGY1 pharmacy residency programs will receive a certificate of graduation. Graduation typically takes place in the middle of the last week of residency but may be earlier or later as needed.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

Residents matched to the PGY1 program in the acute care setting are required to successfully complete the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) providers’ certification. This helps ensure they are prepared to respond to medical emergencies throughout the year.

ASHP Teaching Certificate Program

Residents will also complete the ASHP Teaching Certificate for Pharmacists. It is sponsored by ASHP and the University of Kentucky and has 3 tracks: core track, classroom track, and experiential track. Residents must complete all 3 tracks in addition to other program requirements to earn their teaching certificate. They can earn 16 ACPE-approved CE credit hours by completing the program. To find out more, visit the ASHP website.

ASHP Teaching Certificate for Pharmacists