Results from the mid-March release of Phase I residency matches from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists show strong outcomes for the Class of 2026, with a 90% match rate.
Nineteen of 21 fourth-year student pharmacists who participated in the match successfully placed into residency programs. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists residency match is a two-phase process: Phase I places the majority of candidates into residency programs through a national matching system, while Phase II gives unmatched applicants and unfilled programs a second opportunity to connect and secure positions.
The result positions Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the top among pharmacy schools in the Pacific Northwest and across the West Coast for Phase I match outcomes.
The Class of 2025 also posted notable results, achieving a 100% match rate for postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.
For many students, the match represents the culmination of years of academic and clinical preparation.
It felt like a huge weight lifted. Everything over the past four years led to that moment.
Nicole Camacho, student
Washington State University
“When I got the email that I matched, I jumped so much my dog ran off the bed,” said Nicole Camacho, a Class of 2026 student pharmacist who matched with MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. “It felt like a huge weight lifted. Everything over the past four years led to that moment.”
Students cited the college’s supportive environment as a key factor in their success.
“The community stands out the most,” said Sophia Clinton, who matched with Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Beaverton, Oregon. “The faculty are supportive, and the students are welcoming. From the beginning, it felt like a home away from home.”
The college prepares students for residency through a range of initiatives, including collaborative projects with current residents, seminars on the ASHP match process, and an annual career fair that draws more than 25 health systems and community pharmacy recruiters.
“These outcomes reflect the strength of our preparation and support systems,” said Interim Dean Julie Akers. “From faculty and alumni mentorship to interview preparation and high-quality rotation experiences, our focus is on positioning students for success in clinical careers.”
