About the PGY1/2 HSPAL Residency Program

Welcome to a unique, dual-phase journey designed to shape you into an exceptionally well-rounded pharmacy leader. Our combined PGY1/PGY2 residency program blends robust, hands-on clinical training with cutting-edge corporate leadership across one of the nation's largest nonprofit health system.

PGY1: Developing Clinical Excellence in Tennessee

Your first year centers on building a strong, versatile clinical foundation within the Ascension Tennessee Market—a dynamic network of 10 hospitals across central Tennessee encompassing nearly 2,000 licensed beds. You will gain deep, diverse clinical insights by rotating through three premier sites in Nashville and Murfreesboro: Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, West, and Rutherford.

Our vibrant clinical ecosystem features:

  • A Premier Teaching Community: Gain invaluable experience at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown and West.
  • Specialized Care Hubs: Rotate through a comprehensive stroke center, two primary stroke centers, and an ACEP-accredited Geriatric Emergency Department.
  • Advanced Neonatal Care: Learn within both Level II and Level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
  • Diverse Practice Settings: Experience care delivery across two critical access hospitals and a dedicated neighborhood hospital.

Tailored to Your Journey: We believe in personalized growth. Your clinical training is purposefully customized to align with your unique background and special interests. Additionally, you will have the exciting opportunity to enrich your teaching skills by pursuing a Teaching and Learning Certificate in collaboration with the Belmont University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences or the University of Tennessee.

PGY2: Stepping into Executive Leadership with Ascension Rx

In your second year, you will transition into the corporate environment of Ascension Rx, focusing intensely on health-system pharmacy administration and leadership. This phase is designed to elevate your strategic thinking, giving you the platform to influence pharmaceutical care, medication management, and patient outcomes on a truly national scale.

Key highlights of your PGY2 year include:

  • Unrivaled National Scope: Collaborate with hundreds of healthcare professionals nationwide, engaging in high-impact experiences that range from corporate procurement to direct patient care across critical access hospitals, large academic medical centers, and community clinics.
  • The Future of Leadership: The PGY2 year is designed primarily as a virtual experience, complemented by several travel opportunities throughout the year. This modern structure empowers you to master remote work models—the future of healthcare leadership.
  • Executive Mentorship: Work directly alongside national executive pharmacy leaders, accelerating your development and building a powerful, lifelong professional network.

By fostering an environment where ideas and best practices are freely exchanged across the country, this program is uniquely positioned to maximize your post-residency career opportunities. We are fully dedicated to supporting your growth every step of the way, and we look forward to helping you unlock your full potential as a leader in pharmacy.