Pharmacy Residency Programs
Postgraduate Year One (PGY1)
Billings Clinic offers two PGY1 pharmacy residency programs:
Residents receive one-on-one attention from preceptors and the Residency Program Director (RPD) and have a built-in support system with co-residents. The Billings Clinic PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Programs continue to make positive changes because of its hardworking residents, dedicated preceptors and director, as well as a supportive pharmacy staff and organization.
Billings Clinic is an educationally-focused, integrated health-system that offers residents well-balanced experiences in direct patient care; advancing practice and improving patient care; leadership and management; and teaching, education, and dissemination of knowledge. The program in the acute care setting also includes the management of medical emergencies.
Our Purpose
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Postgraduate year one (PGY1) pharmacy residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.
Our Mission
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.
Our History
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 annually, making it one of the largest programs in the state.
Starting in July 2022, Billings Clinic 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
Graduation and Certifications
Graduation
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.
Certifications
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, academic 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
