Find a Designated Prescribing Practitioner
Connect with vetted supervisors for your learning-in-practice, or join the MedLRN DPP network to mentor safely.
Find a Designated Prescribing Practitioner — or become one
Learners can access qualified supervisors for independent and non-medical prescribing courses. Experienced prescribers can register to mentor and support safe practice.
How MedLRN supports DPP connections
We act as an independent facilitator between learners, supervisors, and course teams.
Learning in practice
Supervised practice is a mandatory part of prescribing courses. Your university sets the exact hours and evidence requirements.
Wider DPP pool
DPPs can be active prescribers from multiple professions, not only doctors. This helps ease supervisor shortages across healthcare.
MedLRN coordination
We match learners to vetted DPPs and help both sides with forms so time stays focused on mentorship, not administration.
Whether you need a DPP or want to become one
Two pathways, one goal: safe, supported learning in practice.
What a DPP does and why it matters
A Designated Prescribing Practitioner supervises your learning in practice — observing patient-facing work, giving feedback, and assessing your progress. Without a DPP, you cannot complete the practice element of your prescribing course.
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. Hours and evidence requirements vary by university and regulator.
How MedLRN supports you as a DPP
Experienced prescribers can join the MedLRN DPP network to supervise and mentor learners. We handle coordination so you can focus on what matters — teaching safe practice.
The onboarding process
- Register interest and share your scope and availability
- Complete a short video interview (approximately 15 minutes)
- Your available slots go live once confirmed
- We coordinate bookings so you focus on mentorship
- Independent support for documentation and forms
Understanding the DPP role
Key context for learners and prospective supervisors.
DMP vs DPP: the shift in supervision
"Designated Medical Practitioner" (DMP) historically meant a doctor or dentist acting as supervisor. The newer "Designated Prescribing Practitioner" (DPP) model allows active prescribers from other professions — such as pharmacists and nurses — to fulfil this role.
The duties remain the same: support, observation, assessment, and feedback. The eligible pool is broader, which helps address supervisor shortages.
Eligibility for prospective DPPs
- Active, experienced prescriber with regular patient-facing practice
- Confidence to supervise, give feedback, and assess learners
- Universities may specify time-in-role or specialty alignment
- Willingness to collaborate with course teams on required evidence
Always confirm precise eligibility criteria with the learner's university before accepting a supervisory role.
What learning in practice looks like
Learners typically need a period of supervised practice to demonstrate prescribing competence. Activities may include history taking, clinical assessment, prescribing decisions, safety checks, and reflective discussion.
The exact number of hours and evidence format are set by your university. Follow their templates and sign-off requirements precisely.
How we reduce the admin burden
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 between all parties.
The MedLRN matching and onboarding process
We act as an independent facilitator. University approval is always required.
Learner shares their clinical area, location or remote preference, and course requirements.
MedLRN proposes suitable DPPs with matching availability.
DPP and learner agree expectations. The coordinator confirms the match.
Forms are completed with admin support where permitted by the university.
Supervised sessions proceed. Feedback and assessment are recorded per the university's format.
MedLRN stays available to troubleshoot scheduling or paperwork throughout.
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, share availability, and join the network.
Step-by-step journeys
Clear pathways for learners and prospective DPPs.
I need a DPP
- Confirm your university's DPP criteria and evidence templates.
- Outline your clinical area, setting, and preferred schedule.
- Request a DPP match via MedLRN.
- Meet the proposed DPP and agree expectations. Complete required 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.
- Register interest with MedLRN and share your scope and availability.
- Complete a short video interview (approximately 15 minutes).
- Coordinator confirms your profile and opens your slots.
- Accept learner matches. Supervise, observe, assess, and give 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 referred to a doctor or dentist acting as supervisor. DPP allows other active prescribers to fulfil this role. The supervisory duties remain the same.
How many supervised hours do I need?
This varies by university and regulator. Your course team will confirm the exact supervised practice hours and evidence requirements.
Can my DPP supervise remotely?
Some universities permit remote or hybrid supervision. Always confirm with your course team before arranging remote sessions.
Does MedLRN guarantee a DPP match?
No. MedLRN connects and supports, but university approval is required for every match. We cannot guarantee placement timelines or outcomes.
Will my university accept any DPP?
Acceptance depends on university criteria and regulator expectations. Always confirm with your course team 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 a DPP?
No. Active prescribers from various professions (pharmacists, nurses, and others) may be eligible. Check university and regulator requirements.
Is there a minimum time-in-role requirement?
Some universities may specify time-in-role or specialty alignment. Confirm with the learner's university before accepting.
How does MedLRN support me administratively?
We pre-check forms, coordinate signatures, and handle scheduling so you can focus on supervision and mentorship.
Is there payment for acting as a DPP?
Terms should be agreed transparently between the DPP and learner, and must align with university policies.