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How To Apply

All applications will be accepted through PhORCAS (online residency application system), starting in November. The deadline for applications is January 2, 2025. Additional information about PhORCAS is available here.

Requirements for Application:

  • Registration with the National Matching Service (NMS)
  • Eligible for licensure in the state of Iowa
  • PGY-2 applicants: Completion or currently pursuing an ASHP-accredited PGY-1 Pharmacy residency 

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center does not currently sponsor candidates for H-1B status to work as pharmacy residents.

Interested candidates should submit the following materials in PhORCAS:

  • Letter of Intent – We want to get to know you and understand why you are interested in our program. We value the unique perspectives of all individuals and want to know how your journey to apply to our program may be different from that of your peers.  Please respond to the following prompts within your letter.
    • Why are you applying to our residency program?
    • What unique experience(s) will you bring to the MercyOne Pharmacy Department?
    • ADDITONAL PGY2 PROMPT: Why are you pursuing a PGY2 in Emergency Medicine?
  • References – We require 3 references to be completed in PhORCAS. There are no specific requirements, but personalized comments are encouraged. Separate letters will not be reviewed.
  • Transcripts from college of pharmacy (additional transcripts are not required)
  • Curriculum Vitae and/or PhORCAS – address the following areas in your CV and PhORCAS application. We want to make sure we have the most accurate information on all of your accomplishments!
    • Academic History (pharmacy and non-pharmacy colleges attended)
    • Learning experiences: Please detail pharmacy school and residency learning experiences (if applicable) to include your responsibilities and activities completed
    • Scholarly activities:
      • Research experience: Please list longitudinal and rotation research experiences and what activities you completed. This may include a full research project or a medication/drug use evaluation. Showcasing your role in the project!
      • Writing experiences: This may include manuscripts and publications, but can also include newsletters, monographs, policies, procedures, guidelines, and commentaries. Please include any publications with the corresponding references of the journal it was published in or accepted/submitted to.
      • Presentations: This may include a poster or platform presentations at a conference or a podcast that you hosted or presented on. This can also include presentations given on rotation, like a policy at P&T you developed, a nursing/medical provider in-service. This doesn't typically include topic discussions or journal clubs completed on rotation.
      • Additional certifications, concentrations, or degrees: This could include a MPH degree, palliative care certificate, or diabetes concentration, but does not include CITI, Blood Borne Pathogens, HIPAA, or immunization provider certification.
    • Organization and leadership Involvement:
      • Leadership: Please include all roles you held in professional organizations, including executive board and chair membership and what activities you completed including leadership certificates, programs, or awards.
      • Organizational involvement: Tell us about the activities you were involved in above and beyond membership in a professional organization
      • Non-pharmacy organizations: We know that leadership skills are developed beyond pharmacy organizations – tell us what else you’ve been involved in!
    • Training and Work experiences: Please detail any internship, technician, research, or other work experiences you have held. The hours/week or month are valuable to showcase (especially if done during the academic year), the types of activities you were expected to complete, required responsibilities (ex: precepting, code response, training), and whether or you received an additional degree/licensure for the role (ex: CNA, EMT). If you’ve worked after pharmacy school, please describe your role.
    • Volunteer/community service: List any volunteer or community service activities you completed, including how many hours and over what period of time. This may include service trips, free medical clinics, youth mentoring, etc.
    • Additional activities, skills, and awards: Please detail any additional experiences, skills, or awards that make you a well-rounded candidate! Examples may include military service, collegiate athletics, fluency in another language, poster presentation award, community service awards, etc.

Please direct all questions and correspondence to the appropriate residency program director.

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