Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) support

Connect with vetted supervisors for learning-in-practice or join our network to mentor safely.

Find a Designated Prescribing Practitioner — or become one

Learners can access qualified supervisors for independent/non-medical prescribing. Experienced prescribers can register to mentor and support safe practice.

Find a DPP Become a DPP
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What a DPP does and why it matters

A Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) is the supervisor who guides a trainee through independent/non-medical prescribing learning in practice. The DPP observes real patient-facing work, provides feedback, and assesses progress so the university or regulator can be assured the learner is safe to prescribe. Without a DPP, learners cannot complete the practice element of their course.

Who needs a DPP for prescribing training

Pharmacists, nurses and allied health professionals on an independent/non-medical prescribing pathway must complete supervised learning in practice, often described as around 90 hours or 12 days under a DPP. Exact hours and evidence requirements vary by university and regulator [VERIFY]. Learners therefore need timely access to a suitable DPP to keep studies on track.

DMP vs DPP: the shift in supervision

“Designated Medical Practitioner” (DMP) historically meant a doctor or dentist acting as supervisor. To relieve supervisor shortages and reflect modern practice, “Designated Prescribing Practitioner” lets active prescribers from other professions (e.g., pharmacists, nurses) fulfil the role. The duties—support, observation, assessment, feedback—remain mandatory, but the eligible pool is broader.

How MEDLRN helps learners find a DPP

  • Match you with an available DPP aligned to your clinical area.
  • Act as an independent party between learner, DPP and course team.
  • Help with required forms and communication to reduce admin.
  • Keep the DPP’s time focused on observation, feedback and assessment.

We do not guarantee placement timelines or outcomes; university acceptance is always required.

How MEDLRN supports clinicians to become a DPP

  • Guide you through joining our network.
  • Run a short video interview (~15 minutes) to understand your scope and availability.
  • List your available slots once confirmed.
  • Coordinate bookings so you spend time on mentorship rather than paperwork.
  • Support you with learner documentation while staying an independent party.

Eligibility and checks for prospective DPPs [VERIFY UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS]

  • You are an active, experienced prescriber with regular patient-facing practice.
  • Confidence to supervise, give feedback and assess learners.
  • Some universities may specify time-in-role or specialty alignment [VERIFY].
  • Willingness to collaborate with course teams on required evidence.

Always confirm precise criteria with the learner’s university before accepting.

What learning-in-practice looks like [VERIFY]

Learners usually need supervised practice time (commonly cited as ~90 hours/12 days) to demonstrate prescribing competence. Activities may include history taking, clinical assessment, prescribing decisions, safety checks and reflective discussion. Universities may set evidence templates or sign-off forms—these must be followed exactly [VERIFY].

The MEDLRN matching and onboarding process

  1. Learner shares clinical area, location/remote preference and course requirements.
  2. MEDLRN proposes suitable DPPs with availability.
  3. DPP and learner agree expectations; coordinator confirms the match.
  4. Forms are completed with our admin support where permitted.
  5. Supervised sessions proceed; feedback and assessment recorded per university format.
  6. We stay available to both sides to troubleshoot scheduling or paperwork.

How we aim to reduce admin for both sides

We can pre-check forms, coordinate signatures, and keep records organised so the DPP concentrates on supervision and the learner keeps momentum. Where universities require direct submission, we help both parties prepare the correct evidence. Any fees or reimbursements should be agreed transparently [VERIFY].

Ready to start? Next steps for learners and DPPs

Learners: prepare your course requirements, clinical focus and preferred timelines, then request a match. Prospective DPPs: confirm your eligibility with current patient-facing practice, share availability, and join the network. MEDLRN will act as a facilitator, but final approval always sits with the university and relevant regulator.

I need a DPP

  • Confirm your university’s DPP criteria and evidence templates [VERIFY].
  • Outline your clinical area, setting and preferred schedule.
  • Request a DPP match via MEDLRN.
  • Meet the proposed DPP, agree expectations, complete forms.
  • Start supervised sessions; gather feedback and assessments.
  • Submit signed-off evidence to your university.

I want to become a DPP

  • Check you are an active, patient-facing prescriber and meet university expectations [VERIFY UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS].
  • Register interest with MEDLRN and share your scope/availability.
  • Complete a short video interview (~15 minutes).
  • Coordinator confirms your profile and opens slots.
  • Accept learner matches; supervise, observe, assess and feedback.
  • Record sign-offs in the formats each university requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key points for learners who need a DPP and prescribers who want to become one.

What is the difference between a DPP and a DMP?

DMP was doctor/dentist; DPP allows other active prescribers. Duties—support, observation, assessment, feedback—remain mandatory.

How many supervised hours do I need?

[VERIFY] Hours are often described as ~90 hours/12 days, but you must follow your university’s specific requirement.

Can my DPP be remote?

[VERIFY] Some universities permit remote or hybrid supervision; always confirm with your course team.

Does MEDLRN guarantee a DPP match?

No. MEDLRN connects and supports; university approval is required for every match.

Will my university accept any DPP?

Acceptance depends on university criteria and regulator expectations. Confirm first before progressing.

Who signs my learning-in-practice documents?

The DPP signs according to the university’s required template and process.

Do I need to be a doctor to act as DPP?

No. Active prescribers (e.g., pharmacists, nurses) may be eligible; check university and regulator requirements.

Must I have a minimum time-in-role?

Some universities may specify this [VERIFY UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS]. Confirm before accepting a learner.

How does MEDLRN support me administratively?

We aim to pre-check forms, coordinate signatures and scheduling so you focus on supervision.

Is there payment for acting as a DPP?

[VERIFY] Agree terms transparently with the learner and ensure they align with university policies.