UToledo College of Pharmacy Ranks No. 1 in Ohio for Pharmacy Residency Match Rate

UToledo College of Pharmacy Ranks No. 1 in Ohio for Pharmacy Residency Match Rate

The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy has ranked No. 1 in the state of Ohio for pharmacy residency match rate, surpassing all other Ohio programs including the Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati.

Nationally, UToledo ranked 14th among 144 colleges of pharmacy that participated in the match, placing the program in the top 10% of pharmacy schools in the country. UToledo's post-graduate year one match rate of 97.5% surpassed the state of Ohio average of 95.6% and significantly exceeded the national average of 76.5%.

Unlike medical residency, pharmacy residency training is an optional but highly competitive path that prepares graduates for advanced roles in clinical pharmacy, research and specialized patient care rather than traditional retail or community pharmacy practice.

"This level of match success reflects both the depth of our students' experiences and our intentional focus on helping them showcase their strengths. Through a targeted professional elective course, we advise students to clearly articulate their leadership, research and service experiences in ways that set them apart from their peers nationwide," said Dr. Julie Murphy, associate professor and associate dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. "As a result, our graduates are not only well-prepared, but they are highly sought after by residency programs."

"This underscores the strength of our students and the support systems surrounding them. From structured career preparation and faculty mentorship to hands-on clinical experiences, we equip our students with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to secure and succeed in residency training," said Dr. Pam Heaton, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

This year, 58% of UToledo's graduating pharmacy students pursued residency positions, a reflection of the program's strong research and clinical culture. Of those who matched, 17 will remain in Ohio and nine will train locally, keeping talented pharmacy professionals in the Northwest Ohio region.

The success of the class of 2026 is not a one-off accomplishment.

UToledo's five-year average match rate of 88.5% consistently outpaces both state and national benchmarks. And 12 students who matched this year will share their residency institution with a fellow UToledo pharmacy graduate, a testament to the program's growing national footprint.