University Award - Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists (Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing)

The programme is a multi-professional, part-time course which will prepare pharmacists for a role as an Independent Pharmacist Prescriber.

In accordance with the requirements identified by the GPhC, the programme comprises 26 theory days, of which some may be attended more flexibly online, and 12 practice days (90 hours equivalent) in clinical practice preparing to be a prescriber. In accordance with the requirements identified by the GPhC, attendance is required at all taught sessions.

How you will be assessed

Full details are available in the Programme specification. 

The University’s standard criteria for admissions apply. Please refer to the Applicant Information pages of the University website for more information. Accreditation of prior learning is not permitted for entry to the programme. All assessments must be undertaken and successfully completed.

The following additional requirements apply for entry to this programme:

• Applicants must fully complete the Non-Medical Prescribing application form, and satisfactorily meet the criteria identified therein.
• Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis.
• Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the General Pharmaceutical Council (and any other healthcare regulator with which they are registered) – this will be checked on receipt of the application form.
• Applicants must have relevant experience, appropriate patient-orientated experience post registration, in a relevant UK practice/pharmacy setting.
• Applicants are required to provide evidence of a satisfactory enhanced disclosure clearance (DBS) undertaken within three years of the programme start date. Responsibility for application to the DBS rests with the programme applicant and is applied for by their employer or self if self-employed.
• Applicants must identify an area of clinical or therapeutic practice in which to base their learning to become as an independent prescriber. The applicant must be able to recognise, understand and articulate the skills and attributes required during their prescribing, which is suitable to act as the foundation of their prescribing practice while training.
• Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the governance requirements of their employing organisation.
• Applicants must have an identified Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who meets the criteria for eligibility as a DPP identified by the programme application form.

· The learning environment in practice is subject to an educational audit undertaken by the Designated Prescribing Practitioner.

Where an applicant proposes to undertake learning in a practice environment outside a contract of employment with the placement provider, there is an expectation that adequate arrangements for indemnity insurance will be in place. Where it is unclear whether the applicant meets the entry requirements satisfactorily, applicants will be contacted for interview. Advice and guidance may be given to the applicant during the interview, to ensure that they understand what is required of them for entry to the programme and successful progression whilst on the programme.