Pharmacist independent prescriber

Regulations to allow pharmacists to prescribe independently came into effect in 2006. A pharmacist independent prescriber may prescribe autonomously for any condition within their clinical competence. This currently excludes three controlled drugs for the treatment of addiction.

In order to qualify as an independent prescriber, you must complete a General Pharmaceutical Council accredited course. On successful completion of the course, you will receive a practice certificate in independent prescribing, making you eligible to apply for annotation to the register.

An accredited independent prescribing course is typically run over a period of 6 months. The course is part-time and often delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching sessions (often one day per week) and self-directed study.

Some universities offer a course with a larger distance learning option, however, all courses will involve a minimum of 26 days of teaching and learning activity. In addition to this, each pharmacist must successfully complete at least 12 days of learning in a practice environment whilst being mentored by a medical practitioner.

In January 2019 the General Pharmaceutical Council published new standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers. Providers will be accredited to the new standards as part of their next scheduled re-accreditation event. All new providers will be accredited to these standards.

See the new standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers here

Read the standards in Welsh

The General Pharmaceutical Council have developed an evidence framework to accompany the new set of standards.

Download the Evidence Framework

This document is intended to support course providers as they design courses for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers. The framework also provides clarity for pharmacists and their designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs) around achieving learning outcomes within the standards.

The General Pharmaceutical Council provide a list of the universities that offer independent prescribing courses together with the latest accreditation reports.

For further information on the accreditation of independent prescribing courses please see the Approval process for education and training providers.

Download the General Pharmaceutical Council standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers.

Course providers may stipulate additional entry requirements, so it is best to check the full entry requirements with your chosen place of study.