Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide safe and effective medication therapy.
By completing an independent prescribing course, pharmacists can learn more about how to prescribe medications safely, and manage, diagnose and treat disease.
The independent prescribing course also offers the opportunity to network, build relationships and many different resources and tools that can be used in your everyday practice as a pharmacist.
An independent prescribing course can be very cost effective and provide a great return on investment for the pharmacist.
Kinds of courses are available.
Independent prescribing courses are widely available both online and in person.
Online courses typically offer flexible scheduling, so it is easy to fit them into your busy schedule.
Currently, Salford university, Bath university, Open university and Robert Gordon university offer independent prescribing courses primarily online.
Traditional In-person courses offer are similar to online courses. However, they present the unique opportunity to interact with other pharmacists taking the same course, providing valuable opportunities for networking and learning from each other.
How is the course taught and assessed?
Most courses are taught with a mix of the below:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Practice
How are students assessed on the course?
Students are assessed in the following ways:
- Written exams
- Portfolio
- Essays
- Observes Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
Below is a list of universities that are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to offer the independent prescribing course:
- Anglia Ruskin
- Aston University
- Bangor University
- University of Bath
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bolton
- University of Bradford
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Cardiff University
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Chester
- Coventry University
- University of Cumbria
- De Montfort University
- University of Derby
- University of East Anglia
- University of Exeter
- Glyndwr University
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Hull
- Keele University
- King’s College London
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester (provisionally)
- Liverpool John Moores University
- London South Bank University
- University of Manchester
- Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Developement (NICPLD)
- Medway School of Pharmacy
- Open University
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Plymouth
- Queen’s University, Belfast
- University of Reading
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Salford
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of South Wales (formerly University of Glamorgan and University of Wales)
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Suffolk (formally University Campus Suffolk)
- University of Sunderland
- Swansea University
- University College London
- University of the West of England
- University of Winchester
- University of Wolverhampton
- University of Worcester
Benefits and advantages of taking such a course
The main benefit of completing an independent prescribing course is that you will have the legal qualification to be able prescriber.
However, the qualification does not cover clinical skills or training in basic life sciences. Therefore, it is essential students already have the clinical skills and experience required to be able to diagnose and manage patients.
The topics taught in the independent prescribing course fulfil the General Pharmaceutical Council’s requirements. The material is presented at a Master’s level (SCQF Level 11) and includes instruction on therapeutics, pharmaceutical care planning, clinical skills, consultation skills and public health.
Specifically, you will learn about the following:
- Governance and legalities surrounding prescribing
- How to consult patients (ie., history taking) and different models of history taking
- What skills are required to safely prescribe
- The role of pharmacology and therapeutics in prescribing
- Professional aspects of prescribing
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
The cost for the independent prescribing course varies depending on the university you attend.
Anglia Ruskin University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1800
Aston University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2400
Bangor University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1780
University of Bath
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £2940
University of Birmingham
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2180
University of Bolton
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1600
University of Bradford
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1800
Buckinghamshire New University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2800
Cardiff University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1260
University of Central Lancashire
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1540
University of Chester
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1600
Conventry University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1600
University of Cumbria
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1680
De Montfort University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2000
University of Derby
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1600
University of East Anglia
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2332
University of Exeter
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2300
Glyndwr University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£5940
University of Hertfordshire
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1620
University of Huddersfield
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1695
University of Hull
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2440
Keele University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1680
King’s College London
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£3710
University of Leeds
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1685
University of Leicester
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
- University of Leicester (provisionally)
£2000
Liverpool Jonh Moores University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1200
London South Bank University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1500
University of Manchester
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1750
Medway School of Pharmacy
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2650
Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD)
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1500
Open University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £3000
University of Portsmouth
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2530
University of Plymouth
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1500
Queen’s University, Belfast
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1780
University of Reading
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2400
Robert Gordon University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2270
University of Salford
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1380
Sheffield Hallam University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1560
University of South Wales
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
- University of South Wales (formerly University of Glamorgan and University of Wales)
From £1600
University of Strathclyde
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2600
University of Suffolk
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
- University of Suffolk (formally University Campus Suffolk)
From £1600
University of Sunderland
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1680
Swansea University
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1780
University College London
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£3300
University of the West of England
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
From £1496
University of Winchester
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1542
University of Wolverhampton
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£2051
University of Worcester
Independent prescribing course pharmacist cost
£1240
What are the benefits of completing an independent prescribing course?
Becomming an independent prescriber benefits:
- The pharmacist – being able to prescribe can increase job satisfaction , salary and up lift the pharmacy profession
- Patients – pharmacists prescribers can improve access to healthcare and improve patient health outcomes
- NHS – prescribing pharmacists can reduce the burden on GPs , increase access to healthcare and demonstrate how pharmacists can benefit the wider health care system
In addition to the above it is important to remember that by 2023/2024 pharmacists will graduate with a prescribing qualification. Therefore if you do not become a prescriber – you may become deskilled!
Independent prescribing course pharmacist requirements
In order to be eligible for a Pharmacist Independent Prescribing course, one must meet the following requirements:
- You must be registered as a pharmacist with either the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or, in Northern Ireland, the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
- All applicants must be up-to-date with their registration(s) and in good standing with the GPhC and/or PSNI, as well as any other healthcare regulator.
- To apply, you must have prior experience working in a pharmacy in the UK. Furthermore, you should be able to identify, understand and explain the skills and attributes required by a prescriber at the start of their training.
- In order to build their independent prescribing skills, applicants must choose an area of clinical or therapeutic practice as a foundation for their learning.
- Applicants for this program must have a designated prescribing practitioner who has agreed to supervise their learning in practice. This supervisor must be a registered healthcare professional in Great Britain or Northern Ireland with legal independent prescribing rights, and must be suitably experienced and qualified to carry out this role. They should also have demonstrated CPD or revalidation relevant to this role.
Although an applicant may be supervised by more than one person, only one prescriber must be the designated prescribing practitioner. The designated prescribing practitioner is the person who will certify that successful pharmacists are competent to practise as independent prescribers
Independent prescribing course pharmacist outcomes
The potential outcomes of completing an independent prescribing course for pharmacists vary depending on the provider but can include: improving patient safety by understanding medications and their risks; increasing your knowledge and confidence as a pharmacist; being better able to identify appropriate treatments and interventions; gaining access to new resources or tools that can be used in your practice; and potentially even earning additional credentials or certifications.
Additionally, by taking an independent prescribing course, you will improve your overall job satisfaction as you become more knowledgeable and confident in your role as a pharmacist. With all of these potential benefits, it is easy to see why investing in an independent prescribing course for pharmacists can be so beneficial.
GPhC specific learning outcomes for the course can be found below:
How much do independent pharmacist prescribers earn?
The amount that independent pharmacist prescribers earn can vary depending on several factors, including their experience level and scope of practice. However, most pharmacists who become independent prescribers earn an annual salary upwards of £35,00k.
Additionally, many pharmacist-independent prescribers receive additional compensation for their work, such as bonuses or fee-for-service payments and setting up a private clinic. This extra income can be a great way to help offset the costs of taking an independent prescribing course.
Examples of jobs available for prescribing pharmacists are shown below:
Pharmacist-independent prescribers can expect to earn a good salary while enjoying several benefits and job security.
If you want an exciting job as a pharmacist, then becoming an independent prescriber may be the best decision for you. You can take an independent prescribing course to gain the safety and effectiveness skills required to prescribe medications while also improving access to healthcare and benefiting financially.
How do pharmacist-independent prescribers benefit patients?
Pharmacist-independent prescribers provide a wide range of benefits to their patients, including providing timely access to medication therapy; improving patient safety by understanding potential risks associated with different medications; being able to identify appropriate treatments and interventions for a variety of conditions; collaborating with other healthcare providers on treatment plans; offering insight into potential drug interactions, and providing additional resources or tools that can be used during treatment.
In addition to the above pharmacist prescribers also play a role in diagnosing , managing and treating disease.
How do independent pharmacist prescribers advance their careers?
Pharmacist-independent prescribers have several opportunities to advance their careers. One of the most common ways to advance is to become a clinical specialist.
Clinical specialists are pharmacists with advanced knowledge and experience in a specific therapeutic area, such as oncology, cardiology, neurology or minor illneses. They work with other healthcare providers to provide expert care for patients with complex medical conditions.
Why become an independent pharmacist prescriber
There are several reasons why pharmacists should consider becoming independent prescribers.
One of the most important reasons is that it allows pharmacists to provide more comprehensive patient care.
With an independent prescribing qualification, pharmacists can prescribe medications, order lab tests, and refer patients for specialist care as needed. This expanded scope of practice enables pharmacists to take on a more active role in the treatment of their patients and helps to improve patient outcomes.
Additionally, becoming an independent prescriber can be a great way to advance your career as a pharmacist. It allows you to work more independently and provides opportunities for advancement into specialized roles such as clinical pharmacy specialist or medication therapy manager. You may also be eligible for career opportunities such as pharmacy management or academia.
Overall, there are many benefits to becoming a pharmacist-independent prescriber. It allows pharmacists to provide more comprehensive care for their patients, advances their careers, and opens up new opportunities for professional growth. For any pharmacist looking to expand their practice, becoming an independent prescriber is undoubtedly worth considering.
How to become an independent prescriber pharmacist
So you’ve decided that you want to become an independent prescriber pharmacist? Great! Here are the steps you need to take to make it happen.
The first step is to find a course that is right for you. There are many independent prescribing courses available, so be sure to research and find one that matches your needs and interests.
A list of GPhC accredited indepedent prescribing courses has been mentioned above within the article.
Once you have found a course, the next step is enrolling and beginning the learning process. The application process will require you to submit a personal statements , prof of qualification , designated medical practitioner (DMP) details and references.
The entire process can often be done online, making it convenient and flexible for busy pharmacists. Keep in mind some universities may require you to attend an interview.
Questions to help prepare you for the interview process
Why do you want to become prescriber?
Possible answers include:
- To be In sync with NHS vision (NHS long term plan)
- Up lift our profession
- Grow professionally
What time will you dedicate to your learning?
Possible answers include:
- 30-60 mins every day because I am aware that I need to prepare for OSCES, complete a Potfolio and submit essay
How will you get best out of IP course?
Possible answers include:
- Meeting with my DMP to discuss learning contract
- My learning will involve: obsering my DMP , supervised practice , case based discussion and reflecting on my practice
What are the key qualities of a good prescriber?
Possible answers include:
- Reflection on practice
- Maintain up to date continued professional development (CPD)
- Building a netwrok so that I am not alone
- Working within my competency
How will you exapand practice?
Possible answers include:
- Through reading theory
- ObserationSupervised practice
- Regular reflection
How to stay up to date?
Possible answers include:
- Regular learning
- CPD
- Attending workshops
- Making study groups with local professionals
What Governance arrangements are in place
Possible answers include:
- References made to polcies and procedures
- reference Insurance
- Explain that there will be a over araching mentor in place
How will I use my qualification?
Possible answers include:
- IP qualification is a tool it is not only option; my focus is on preentive medicine
- I am aware of the importance of antibiotic stewardship
How do you diagnose manage and treat your intended scope?
Possible answers include the below with reference to your scope of practice:
- Explain the drug interactions , pharmacology and pharmocodynamic of your drugs you intend to prescribe
- Expain the incidence , aeitology , patholgy , signs and symtoms , prognosis and manageemnt of your intended disease state
The course will cover everything from prescribing medications to more specialized topics, such as managing patients with complex conditions.
After completing the course, the next step is to register with the GPhc.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be ready to start practising as an independent prescriber pharmacist! You will then be able to prescribe medications for your patients and provide them with the best possible care.
