VA Pharmacy Residency Program: From Student to Specialist 

Pharmacy graduates who are looking to take their careers to the next level, come see what the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can do for you. As the largest trainer of post-doctoral pharmacists in the world, VA employs about 7,300 pharmacists nationwide and offers robust programs to train and develop its pharmacy workforce. 

Keep reading to learn more about the VA Pharmacy Residency Program and how VA pharmacists help fulfill our mission to care for Veterans. 

VA Pharmacy Residency Program 

With over 230 residency programs nationwide, VA has one of the largest pharmacy residency training programs in the world and is a true leader in pharmacy education. As a VA pharmacy resident, you’ll have an opportunity to participate in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ (ASHP’s) largest postgraduate year two (PGY2) early commitment process. All VA pharmacy residencies are ASHP accredited and PGY2 residencies are available for many specialty practices areas, including cardiology, psychiatric, and oncology pharmacy. 

One in every eight clinically trained pharmacists is trained at VA. VA pharmacy residents receive extensive direct patient care experience and training in preparation for advanced clinical pharmacy practice. This experience and training has a direct impact on improving Veteran care. Here’s what VA pharmacy residents are saying: 

• 98% said they would choose a VA residency again 
• 95% expressed a desire to continue working for VA after finishing  
• 94% felt the residency provided them with the experience necessary for their career 

To learn more about the VA Pharmacy Residency Program, check out the flyer.  

Pharmacists at VA 

VA pharmacists play a vital role in providing care to Veterans and are recognized as Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care providers. As experts in medication use and comprehensive pharmacy services, VA pharmacists promote wellness, prevent and manage diseases, and ensure patient safety. VA pharmacists operate with a high degree of autonomy and provide services across a wide range of settings like inpatient acute care and outpatient clinics, collaborating with physicians and other providers to optimize drug therapy and improve patient outcomes.  

A VA pharmacy career also offers paramount flexibility. VA pharmacists have access to a nationwide system of facilities across all 50 states, and thanks to federal policy, can practice in any VA location with a single state license. 

Join VA 

VA is always looking for dedicated pharmacists to join our team. 

“To be able to help people who have sacrificed so much is just a great feeling,” says Cody Poell, Clinical Staff Pharmacist. If you’re looking to serve Veterans through innovative, patient-centered pharmacy, VA might be your match.