Dear Members,

We are excited to relay an important announcement from NHS England regarding Independent Prescribing training for the 2024/2025 academic year. This training is vital for pharmacists to enhance their role within the NHS, supporting patient care from diagnosis to prescribing, offering advice, and providing follow-up care.

Eligibility Criteria

Independent prescribing training places are available to pharmacists who meet the required eligibility criteria:

• Community Pharmacists: This includes both employed and locum pharmacists.
• Pharmacists in General Practice: Those not eligible for, or enrolled in, the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Programme (PCPEP) and working in primary care but not in ARRS roles.
• Health and Justice Pharmacists: Pharmacists working in settings such as prisons and detention centres.
• Pharmacists on CPPE’s Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP): Must meet the PCPEP criteria for enrolling in an Independent Prescribing Course.
• NHS Hospital Trust or Mental Health Trust Pharmacists: Those employed in these trusts.
• Pharmacists in an Integrated Care Board (ICB): Previously known as CCG pharmacists.

Minimum Requirements

Eligible pharmacists must also meet the following minimum requirements:

• Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP): Support from an identified DPP, who will mentor and supervise during the learning period.
• Practice-Based Learning Environment: An appropriate setting in a prescribing environment that offers clinical support.
• Evidence of Eligibility: Documentation proving that you meet the course provider’s criteria.
• Commitment: A demonstrated commitment to using the skills within your area of expertise for delivering NHS clinical services.

GPhC Entry Requirements

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has updated the entry requirements for independent prescribing courses:

• Relevant Experience: Applicants must have relevant experience in a pharmacy setting and the ability to understand and articulate the skills required by a prescriber.
• Clinical or Therapeutic Practice Area: Identification of an area to base your learning on.

Universities offering accredited courses will continue to apply previous entry requirements until they are approved against the revised standards. Check with your chosen university for the implementation of these changes.

Application and Start Dates

• Course Availability: Courses are available with start dates from September 2024 to March 2025.
• University Providers: Multiple universities are offering these training courses with various start dates for cohort intakes. Ensure you check the specific dates and apply promptly to secure your place.

For more information and to apply, visit the relevant university websites or contact the national pharmacy team at england.pharmacyteam@nhs.net

Plan of Action

1. Check Your Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify for the training.
2. Secure Support from a DPP: Identify and obtain support from a Designated Prescribing Practitioner who will supervise your training.
3. Identify a Learning Environment: Ensure you have a practice-based learning environment that offers appropriate clinical support.
4. Gather Documentation: Collect evidence to prove you meet the course provider’s eligibility criteria.
5. Apply to Your Chosen University: Visit the websites of approved universities to complete your application.
6. Register Your Interest: If you are not applying this year, register your interest for future updates and opportunities.

For FAQs and detailed information, refer to your chosen university provider or the national pharmacy team.