College of Pharmacy Ranks Among Nation’s Best for 2026 Residency Match Numbers

The University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Pharmacy's residency match rate exceeded 90% in the 2026 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists match program. The college ranked No. 11 nationally in PGY1 (first-year residency) matches and No. 15 in PGY2 (second-year residency) matches.

Additionally, the college remained No. 1 in Tennessee for the number of students matched in both categories, with 57 students entering PGY1 residencies and 23 entering PGY2 positions.

Since 2021, the college has ranked among the top 11 nationally in the number of PGY1 matches, including top-five placements in 2023 and 2024. These results demonstrate year-over-year consistency in preparing students for the advanced clinical roles Tennesseans rely on.

PGY1 residencies are 12-month programs that build on the PharmD degree, offering broad experience across various pharmacy practices and preparing pharmacists for diverse patient care roles, management, leadership, and education. Following PGY1, students can enter PGY2 residencies, which are advanced, focused programs that prepare pharmacists to become experts in their chosen field, such as oncology, critical care, infectious diseases, or pediatrics.

Statewide Reach and Workforce Impact

Forty students will complete residencies in Tennessee, with placements throughout the state's western, middle, and eastern regions, reinforcing the college's commitment to improving healthcare statewide. Overall, UT Health Sciences College of Pharmacy students matched at residency sites in 22 states.

Ranked No. 16 nationally, the College of Pharmacy graduates more pharmacists than any other Tennessee pharmacy school. Its graduates are also more likely to practice in Tennessee than their out-of-state peers, directly supporting the state's healthcare workforce and helping meet the growing demand for highly trained pharmacists.

High residency match rates help build healthier communities. Through community-based residencies, UT Health Sciences-trained pharmacists develop advanced skills in medication therapy management, immunizations, point-of-care testing, and health coaching. This training is especially important in rural and underserved areas, where pharmacists are often among the most accessible healthcare providers.

Hospital residency training further prepares pharmacists for specialized, team-based care in emergency departments, primary care clinics, and other clinical settings. These experiences enable graduates to collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes in Tennessee.

Comprehensive Residency Preparation

For students, residency training is essential to advanced clinical development and long-term career growth. Successful matches provide hands-on experience, open pathways to specialized roles, and increase competitiveness in the job market. For prospective students seeking advanced clinical careers, strong match outcomes are a clear indicator of program quality.

The UT Health Sciences College of Pharmacy's national residency match success reflects its deliberate approach to student preparation. The college offers a rigorous curriculum in pharmacotherapy, diagnostic testing, pathophysiology, and patient monitoring, paired with purposeful clinical rotations that expose students to a wide range of practice settings.

Early exposure to residency expectations, personalized mentorship from faculty and preceptors, and structured preparation activities, including mock interviews, help students decide not only where to apply but also whether a residency aligns with their professional goals. Students also benefit from focused professional development opportunities, including extracurricular engagement, guest webinars led by clinical pharmacists, and the residency preparation series led by Professor Leslie Hamilton, PharmD, which equips students with the confidence and skills needed to succeed in a competitive match.

The College of Pharmacy's 2026 residency match results showcase its dedication to excellence in pharmacy education and its ongoing role in advancing healthcare for Tennesseans. As demand for highly trained pharmacists continues to grow, UT Health Sciences remains focused on preparing graduates who are ready to meet the clinical needs of communities throughout the state and beyond.

College of Pharmacy applications for the fall of 2027 will open via the Pharmacy College Application Service in July 2026. Visit the college's website for more information about how to apply.