Essentia Health-Fargo Pharmacy Program Receives Accreditation

(Fargo, ND) -- A new program at Essentia Health-Fargo has gained full accreditation status. Started in 2019, the Post Graduate Year One (PGY1) Pharmacy Residency Program has received a full eight-year accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

This accreditation is a testament to Essentia Health’s excellent pharmacy team in Fargo, a strong and supportive pharmacy shared-services team across Essentia, and most importantly highlights the importance of high-quality patient services.

This one-year PGY1 pharmacy residency program builds on a Doctor of Pharmacy education to contribute to the development of pharmacists responsible for medication-related care and improved outcomes for patients.

Accreditation of the residency program provides a measure of quality for current residents and prospective candidates seeking a residency program. Employers who hire residents from an accredited program are assured that the residents have received training in providing direct patient care and an experience consistent with the standards of practice. During just one year of this program, a pharmacist will receive about 3-5 years of experience.

The ASHP says, “Residency accreditation is an important driver for excellence, serving as a bridge between education and practice for pharmacists.”

“Essentia operates under the mission of making a healthy difference in people’s lives,” shares Maari Loy, pharmacy operations senior manager. “Our residency program, and obtaining this accreditation, is all about our commitment to patient care and improved patient outcomes through pharmacy services. Our patients deserve this program and to be served by the best and most highly trained pharmacists possible.”