Independent prescriber education and training

A pharmacist independent prescriber may prescribe autonomously for any condition within their clinical competence. This currently excludes three controlled drugs to treat addiction.

To qualify as an independent prescriber, you must complete one of our accredited courses. On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a practice certificate in independent prescribing and be eligible to apply to our register.

An accredited independent prescribing course typically takes six months to complete. The course is part-time and often delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching sessions (often one day a week) and self-study.

Some universities offer distance learning courses, but with a minimum of 26 days of teaching time. Each pharmacist must successfully complete at least 12 days (90 hours) of learning in a practice environment under the supervision of a designated prescribing practitioner.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for independent prescribing courses  are set out in in our new standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers. Course providers may require additional entry requirements, so it’s best to check with your chosen place of study.

Registered pharmacists must have at least two years of experience in a patient-orientated UK practice setting to enrol on one of our accredited independent prescribing courses. Relevant experience gained while provisionally registered can also count towards the two-year requirement.

 

Related content

Consultation on education and training standards for pharmacist independent prescribers
Becoming an independent prescriber
Pharmacist education and training
Pharmacist education accreditation
Students and trainees
Pharmacists- overview

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Use the search below to find specific independent prescriber courses. You can use the filters n the left to find different types of courses, or search by location.

Glyndwr University

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Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD)

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