Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists

Program Overview

---

De Montfort University's Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists equips pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to become independent prescribers in various settings. Accredited by the GPhC, the program combines online learning, study days, and supervised practice, enabling graduates to apply for independent prescribing status and enhance their career opportunities.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

This postgraduate course aims to equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills required to become independent prescribers within a variety of settings, including:

• Community pharmacies
• Hospitals
• General practice
• Prisons
• Private sector

---

Key features:

• Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of experts, including pharmacists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals
• Excellent student support
• Industry-standard teaching facilities
• Utilizes virtual learning environments

---

Duration:

• Typically 6 months.
• Option to complete all work within 4 months ("fast-track") or over 12 months.

---

Application Deadline:

• For April 2024 intake: 5pm on 29 March 2024.

---

Please note:

This course is only available to international students residing in the UK with a Tier 2 visa and employed by an NHS Trust or a healthcare organization offering NHS services.

---

Learning Outcomes:

• Critically evaluate a person-centered and partnership approach to care with emphasis on patient autonomy and informed decisions.
• Demonstrate critical understanding and reflection on the role of a pharmacist prescriber within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Employ evidence-based decision making for safe and effective patient management considering holistic perspectives.
• Implement effective communication, history-taking, and clinical skills for optimized patient care.

---

Structure:

• Combines self-directed and structured online learning, in-person study days, and at least 12 days of practice-based experience under the supervision of a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).

---

Assessment:

---

Assessments:

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) with three patient-based stations for evaluation of clinical and consultation skills.
• Structured Case Report analyzing a patient's care pathway within the specific scope of practice.
• Prescribing Portfolio to document experiences, reflection on practice hours, and demonstrate achievement of GPhC learning outcomes and prescribing competencies.

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• Blended learning approach utilizing online materials, small-group teaching during eight mandatory study days, and supervised practice-based experience with a dedicated DPP.
• Emphasis on active learning strategies with discussion, debate, and reflection among peers and facilitators.

---

Academic Expertise:

• Experienced, friendly, and supportive team of pharmacists with varied expertise.
• Supported by medical practitioners to enhance delivery of clinical skills training.

---

Careers:

---

Career Opportunities:

• Upon successful completion and GPhC application, graduates are prepared to work as Pharmacist Independent Prescribers across diverse pharmacy settings.
This opens up exciting career possibilities, including:
• Increased patient care responsibilities.
• Enhanced job prospects and potential for salary increase.
• Opportunity to specialize in particular therapeutic areas.

---

Other:

---

Application Requirements:

• Applicants must be registered pharmacists with the GPhC or the PSNI (Northern Ireland).
• Good standing with GPhC/PSNI and any other relevant regulatory body.
• Minimum third-class honours (3rd) in Pharmacy or equivalent degree qualification.
• Relevant experience in UK pharmacy setting.
• Ability to undertake the program and practice-based experience in the UK/Northern Ireland.
• Identification of a specific area of clinical or therapeutic practice for focusing learning.
• Designation of a suitable and qualified DPP for supervision and training.

---

Additional Resources:

• Designated Prescribing Practitioner Handbook
• Frequently Asked Questions