Should You Apply for a Pharmacy Residency? Everything You Need to Know Before Deciding

navenejb
Dec 9, 2025
3 min read

If you’re a P4 trying to decide whether residency is “worth it,” you are not alone. Every year, thousands of pharmacy students sit exactly where you are: torn between wanting a clinical future and worrying about the workload, the competitiveness, and whether residency truly guarantees a better career.

The truth?The answer isn’t a simple yes or no — it depends entirely on the kind of pharmacist you want to become.

In this article, I’m breaking down everything I wish someone had explained to me when I was in your shoes: the value of residency, the interview process, the pros and cons, and what happens if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Is Residency Really Worth It?

Here’s the real answer:Residency is worth it if you want flexibility, clinical confidence, and long-term upward mobility.

If your goal is:

Clinical pharmacy
Ambulatory care
Specialty practice
Academia
Administration
Industry roles
A PGY-2
A job with more autonomy and growth

Then a PGY-1 residency opens doors that are extremely hard to access without one.

If you plan to stay in community or want to jump straight into the workforce?You don’t need a residency.

In other words: Residency is not mandatory — but it is strategic.

What the Interview Process Actually Looks Like

Interview structures vary, but most PGY-1 interviews include:

Behavioral questions
Clinical case scenarios
Conflict-management situations
Prioritization questions
“Walk me through your thinking” prompts
Optional (but common) presentations

The challenge isn’t that the questions are impossible — it’s the speed, the volume, and the mental stamina required. You may interview with several programs back-to-back, so structure and preparation are essential.

This is where practice and clarity make a huge difference.

Pros of Doing a PGY-1 Residency

1. Stronger clinical confidence You learn how to think, assess, and make real-world decisions much faster.

2. Better job opportunities Programs and employers prioritize residency-trained pharmacists.

3. More long-term flexibility You aren’t boxed into one path; you have options.

4. A built-in professional network Residents, preceptors, and mentors become lifelong connections.

5. Personal growth You become a sharper, more efficient, more well-rounded clinician.

Cons You Should Be Aware Of

1. Lower pay for one year It’s temporary — but real.

2. Heavy workload You juggle projects, staffing, and learning simultaneously.

3. Stressful first months The curve is steep, but you adjust.

4. Less free time Residency requires balance and resilience.

Most residents describe it as “chaotic but worth it” for a reason:The effort is temporary. The benefits are permanent.

What Happens If You Don’t Pass the NAPLEX the First Time?

Good news: Most programs do not kick you out for failing the NAPLEX once.

Most allow:

A retake
A grace period
Adjusted responsibilities until you’re licensed
Support from the program leadership

That said, every program has its own policy — so always ask directly during the interview process.

It’s more common than you think, and many residents successfully continue without losing their position.

So… Should You Apply?

If you’re dreaming of a more flexible, fulfilling, clinically focused career, residency is one of the smartest investments you can make in your future.

If you prefer community, immediate income, or a more predictable schedule, that’s valid too.

The key is choosing the path that aligns with your long-term goals — not what everyone else is doing.

Need Help Navigating the Residency Process?

If you’re considering a PGY-1 and want clear guidance on:

How to choose programs
How to prepare a competitive CV
How to write strong letters
What to expect at Midyear
How to prepare for interviews
How to answer clinical questions
How to stand out to programs

…then my step-by-step residency preparation course, SECURED, was created exactly for you.

Inside the course, you get:

Proven tips and tricks
Tools, templates, checklists, timelines
Real strategies programs look for
And over 100 practice interview questions with answers

It’s everything I wish I had before applying — in one place.