Frequently Asked Questions

Pharmacy Residency Homepage Program Purpose and Structure Preceptors Current Residents Recruitment Events

How many PGY1 positions does CentraCare (Ambulatory Clinics) offer per year?
We currently offer one PGY1 position in St. Cloud and one PGY1 position in Paynesville.

What are the available clinics for additional practice experience?

Neurosciences Pain Center, Anticoagulation, Heart & Vascular Center, Internal Medicine and Specialty Pharmacy provide additional learning opportunities.

What are the strengths of your program?

1. Our longitudinal learning experience allows you to build relationships with patients over time and monitor the effects of medication therapy changes.
2. We incorporate population health to help make rural life healthier.
3. Past residents have gone on to continue working in ambulatory care environments.
4. Rich history of providers and staff supporting and engaging in residency patient-care activities.

How has your program developed over time?

Pharmacist post-graduate training programming dates back to 1994 when a 2-year fellowship in partnership with the University of Minnesota (UMN) was created to start pharmacist services in Paynesville, which at the time was Paynesville Area Health Care System (PAHCS). In 1998 the program adjusted to a year-long residency program, still partnered with UMN. Our very own Todd Lemke, PharmD, DPLA, Director of Regional Pharmacy Services at CentraCare completed this residency program in 1999 and has the distinction of being the first accredited residency year. Todd continues to be highly involved in the CentraCare residency program, leading by example in the promotion of pharmacy services. The residency program in partnership with UMN continued as PAHCS became CentraCare in 2013. Our St. Cloud site has hosted a PGY1 pharmacy resident in ambulatory clinics since 2015. CentraCare is thankful for the years of support and guidance from UMN as we take on internal management of our PGY1 Residency Program (Ambulatory Clinics).

What precepting and teaching opportunities are available for residents?

There are opportunities to teach APPE students completing ambulatory care rotations. We host community pharmacy IPPE/APPE students for a concentrated learning experience. Lunch and Learn presentations are given to clinic staff and providers periodically throughout the year.

What are the staffing requirements?

St. Cloud: One day per week of staffing in a community pharmacy dispensing role. Staffing will rotate through CentraCare Pharmacy Northway, CentraCare Pharmacy at St. Cloud Hospital, and CentraCare Pharmacy Health Plaza and will progress to an independent weekday shift with support of technicians. There is the option to work casual hours for additional pay on evenings and weekends.

Paynesville: One day per week of staffing a critical access hospital/infusion center. Staffing progresses to independent weekday shift (preceptor support on site) with support of technicians. There is the option to work casual hours for additional pay on weekends and on-call.

Is there an on-call component?

No on-call staffing required.

Do residents have a dedicated workspace?
Residents are provided an office space shared with pharmacist preceptor, work laptop with dual screens and access to speech-to-text electronic medical record documentation technology.

Do residents have access to onsite parking?
Residents have free onsite parking.

What professional conferences do the residents attend throughout the residency year?
Residents will attend the MPhA MTM Symposium in October and Northstar Pharmacy Residency Conference in May. Residents are required to attend one professional conference or meeting. Options include the MSHP midyear meeting in September, the ACCP meeting in October, the ASHP midyear meeting in December, the APhA Annual Meeting in March, the ACCP Spring Research Forum in April, and the MSHP annual meeting in April.

Does the residency program support travel to conferences?
Financial support is provided for attendance, travel and lodging for required professional conferences. The expenses will be reimbursed by the pharmacy department to a maximum yearly allowance of $4,000 per resident.

When is the start date?

The residency year beings the first business day of July 2025.

Do residents receive vacation time?
Residents accrue 23 days of paid time off (PTO). They may use an additional 5 days of sick time over the course of the year without having to extend the residency year. The resident will be paid for any remaining unused PTO at the end of the residency year. Conference attendance does not count against PTO balance.

What is Project H.E.A.L.?

Project H.E.A.L. (Health, Education, Access, Link) is an outreach program of CentraCare Coordinated Care Services. Project H.E.A.L. offers free health screenings and basic care at various locations across Central Minnesota for those who have little or no insurance.

The goal of Project H.E.A.L. is to overcome the barriers to health care for the under-served population of our communities. We help people overcome the barriers of transportation, inadequate or lack of insurance, financial resources for co-payments and medications, language and culture.

What local attractions does St. Cloud offer?
Situated along the banks of the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers, St. Cloud has an abundance of recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Munsinger Gardens, a hike through Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, or a stroll along the Beaver Island trails. The Beaver Island trail stretches for 5 miles along the Mississippi River and is a popular place for walkers, bikers, rollerblades and cross-country skiers. There are also many locations along the river where you can rent a boat or kayak if you are looking for an opportunity to enjoy the water during the warm summer months. Local golf courses open when the spring snow melts and stay open until frost begins. Located within St. Cloud is Lake George Park which offers numerous events and activities from outdoor concert series to a week-long gathering of local food trucks and vendors. Sports fans can catch a ballgame at Joe Faber Field or take in a college hockey game at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Shop until you drop at Crossroads Center. Finally, downtown St. Cloud offers exceptional entertainment and cultural experiences. The Paramount Theater and Visual Arts Center and Pioneer Place host a variety of art exhibits, theater and comedy shows, musicals and live music performances.

What local attractions does Paynesville offer?

Nestled in the heart of Central Minnesota, Paynesville attracts thousands of visitors each year. Our natural environment and recreational opportunities make Paynesville a perfect place to call home. Located 30 miles from both St. Cloud and Willmar, Paynesville is truly a place for all ages. The Lake Koronis Recreational Trail is a safe, non-motorized trail connecting the City of Paynesville and Lake Koronis. Whether it is hiking, biking, jogging, in-line skating, or just a leisurely stroll, you can enjoy this 16.5-mile trail year-round. There are two public parks on the lake; Veteran’s Park and Lake Koronis Regional Park, both of which offer a wide range of facilities including boat access for some of the best fishing in the area. Sibley State Park is just a brief 25-minute drive away. Koronis Hills Golf Club offers a par 36 front nine with rolling hills and elevated greens great for all skill levels while the back nine gives an opportunity for the more skilled golfer to enjoy a challenge. When you don’t feel like cooking for yourself after grocery shopping in our local store, visit Shady’s on 55 for great burgers! Great River Regional Library Paynesville branch can satisfy your inner bookworm and hosts events for the community. We boast that we have the best community members ever!