Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (PGDipClinPharm) is a one-year full-time or up to four-year part-time program designed for registered pharmacists to advance their education in clinical pharmacy. Graduates are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in various healthcare settings, including clinical pharmacist, medicines information specialist, and pharmaceutical care coordinator.

Program Outline

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (PGDipClinPharm)

Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (PGDipClinPharm) is a one-year full-time or up to four-year part-time postgraduate program designed for registered pharmacists to advance their education in clinical pharmacy.

Key Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to design, implement, and optimize pharmaceutical care plans for individual patients across a broad range of therapeutic areas.
• Develop expertise in managing the pharmaceutical care of patients with complex clinical needs.
• Facilitate the acquisition of specialized knowledge of medicines use in areas of clinical interest, including advanced medicines management.

Outline:

The PGDipClinPharm comprises a 120-point curriculum, typically completed within one year for full-time students or spread over four years for part-time learners. The program structure allows for flexibility, with most students starting with the Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy (PGCertClinPharm) and enrolling in 60 points per year (30 points or one course per semester).

Course Schedule:

• Year 1 (120 points):
• Semester 1 (30 points):
• PHARMACY 764: Medicines Information and Critical Appraisal
• PHARMACY 765: Medicines Management and Pharmaceutical Care
• One of PHARMACY 766, 767, or 768
• Semester 2 (30 points):
• One of PHARMACY 766, 767, or 768
• Two additional courses from the following options:
• PHARMACY 702: Medicines Management in Primary Care
• PHARMACY 703: Medicines Management in Secondary Care
• PHARMACY 704: Medicines Management in Special Populations
• PHARMACY 705: Medicines Management in Chronic Disease
• PHARMACY 706: Medicines Management in Acute Care
• PHARMACY 707: Medicines Management in Mental Health
• PHARMACY 708: Medicines Management in Oncology

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the PGDipClinPharm vary depending on the specific course. They may include:

• Written assignments
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Examinations

Teaching:

The PGDipClinPharm utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online learning with face-to-face weekend workshops for select courses. This approach allows students living anywhere in New Zealand to participate in the program.

Faculty:

The program is led by experienced and qualified academics with expertise in clinical pharmacy.

Careers:

Graduates of the PGDipClinPharm are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in various healthcare settings. Potential career paths include:

• Clinical pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical care coordinator
• Medicines safety officer
• Academia and research

Other:

• The program is designed to cater to students living anywhere in New Zealand, with most materials presented online and supplemented by face-to-face weekend workshops for select courses.
• Graduates have the opportunity to pursue further studies and complete the Master of Clinical Pharmacy.