Pharmacist Independent Prescribing

Teaching covers the learning outcomes required by the General Pharmaceutical Council. The subject matter is delivered at Master’s Level (SCQF Level 11) and covers therapeutics, pharmaceutical care planning, clinical skills, consultation skills and public health.

Therapeutic Topics

• Cardiovascular (hypertension, heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, dyslipidaemia)
• Endocrinology (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus)
• Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Musculoskeletal (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, pain)
• Gastrointestinal (peptic ulcer disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Neurology (Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s)
• Oncology (general aspects, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer)
• Psychiatry (affective disorders, anxiety and sleep, schizophrenia)
• Common clinical conditions (respiratory tract, ENT, skin, UTI)

Learning Methods

The module consists of three elements: online self-directed learning, five mandatory online contact days, and a supervised period of learning in practice.

The module is delivered entirely online via our virtual learning environment CampusMoodle and Microsoft Teams. We use a blended approach to learning and assessment and a variety of teaching methods to support your development of the relevant knowledge and understanding, skills, and personal attributes necessary to become an independent pharmacist prescriber.

We offer a range of online materials, discussion forums, directed activities and monthly evening webinars with input from clinical experts and pharmacist prescribers.

The five online contact days are designed to support your supervised learning in practice as you develop. The days feature highly interactive workshops and presentations and focus on communication skills, evidence based practice, clinical reasoning and other aspects of prescribing.

Contact days

September intake

• 1 day in late October
• 1 day in late November
• 3 days in one week in early January (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)

January intake

• 1 day in late February/early March
• 1 day in late March/ early April
• 3 days in early May (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)

Presentation of module materials is based on the principles of adult learning theory which stress the importance of involving the learner at all stages of the learning process. This is fully compatible with the philosophy of continuing professional development (CPD), encouraging you to:

• reflect and define your own learning needs
• plan to meet these needs
• implement this learning plan
• evaluate the outcomes of your learning

The module is in mandatory part of the diploma stage of our PgDip | MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice course.

Activity Summary

• Lectures/practical class or workshop – 35 hours over 5 online contact days (7 hours per day) working in small and large groups.
• Independent study – approximately 175 hours over the duration of the module, but this can vary.
• Placement / work based learning - minimum of 90 hours learning in practice, throughout the module.
• Webinars - 1 hour per month for the whole cohort

Cohort group sizes consist of approximately 100 students. Online contact days use a series of breakout rooms of varying sizes depending on the activities and tasks.

How long is a Pharmacist Independent Prescribing course?

The Pharmacist Independent Prescribing course can be completed in 10 months.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our staff include pharmacist academics and practising clinical subject experts (e-tutors) and independent prescribers (PIP-tutors). We are also supported by external experts.

Our staff develop learning materials, facilitate discussion forums, and participate in assessments and marking.

The module coordinator is your central point of contact for information and support

Independent Study

Much of this course consists of self-directed learning and a number of assignments and preparatory tasks to support your development along with a minimum of 90 hours of supervised practice in a clinical setting.

The number of hours of studying required per week is variable and depends on your workload and other commitments. You are responsible for managing your learning and workload.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

• 1 practical skills assessment
• 1 portfolio of evidence from the period of learning practice

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

You will undertake a minimum of 90 hours of supervised practice in a clinical setting. You must identify a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) yourself who will be a medical or non-medical independent prescriber. See DPP guide for requirements.

You will focus on the therapeutic area(s) and patient group(s) you intend to prescribe for and will agree a training plan with your DPP.

You will submit a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate you have achieved the relevant learning outcomes and the required hours in practice.

Job Prospects

As a Pharmacist Prescriber you can make a great contribution to healthcare provision in primary and secondary care, in community pharmacy, and in other settings throughout the UK.  The role is professionally challenging and very rewarding.  You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, involved in prescribing decisions and governance and optimising outcomes by the provision of person-centred pharmaceutical care.

Entry Requirements

What is needed for Practice Certificate Pharmacist Independent Prescribing?

All candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Pharmacist registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
• Demonstrate how they reflect on their own performance and take responsibility for their own Continuing Professional Development.
• Have a Designated Prescribing Practitioner who has agreed to supervise the period of learning in practice.
• Have identified an area of clinical practice and need in which to develop their prescribing skills.
• Demonstrate how they will develop their own networks for support, reflection and learning, including prescribers from other professions. 
• Have relevant experience in a UK pharmacy setting.
• Must be able to recognise, understand and articulate the skills required by a prescriber.
• Have a broad understanding of the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy professionals and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Competency Framework for all Prescribers.

The Designated Prescribing Practitioner

As part of the course, the pharmacist’s period of learning in practice must be supervised by a Designated Prescribing Practitioner who may be a medical or a non-medical independent prescriber.

Further information on this role in relation to our course and our requirements can be found in our DPP Guide.

Our Application Process

As part of our application process you must demonstrate that you have relevant clinical or therapeutic experience in the area in which you wish to prescribe, which is suitable to act as a foundation for your training.  You will be asked to provide information about, and reflect on, your experience, education and training and to provide information about your proposed prescribing service. 

This Pharmacist Independent Prescribing course has the following tuition fees:

For Academic Year 2024/2025

• All Students: £2,360 for entire course

For Academic Year 2023/2024

• All Students: £2,270 for entire course

Pharmacists working in Scotland may be eligible for funding from