Independent Prescribing courses 2023-24

Health Education England have announced that applications for independent prescribing courses starting in spring 2023 are open. Courses will be available from April 2023 to March 2024, with several universities offering multiple dates for cohort intakes. Start dates will depend on the university provider.

This training enables pharmacists to support patients from diagnosis to prescribing, and to provide advice and follow-up – while also helping them to feel confident and prepared for the new challenges they may have in their role.

Fully using the clinical skills and capabilities of community pharmacists, supported by significant investment in training, is part of a concerted effort across the health system to improve access to care in local communities and address health inequalities.

Pharmacists who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for one of the almost 3,000 places on independent prescribing courses at a variety of universities across England:

1. Community pharmacists (including locum pharmacists);
2. Pharmacists employed in General Practice (who are not eligible for, or enrolled on, the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Programme (PCPEP) and those who are working to provide primary care services (e.g. working in primary care) who are not employed in ARRS roles);
3. Health and Justice pharmacists   
4. Pharmacists enrolled on CPPE’s Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) and who meet the PCPEP criteria to enrol on an independent prescribing course
5. Pharmacists working in an NHS Hospital Trust or Mental Health Trust (NHS managed sector);
6. Pharmacists working in an integrated care board (ICB), previously CCG pharmacists 

Eligible pharmacists can apply to universities listed on the HEE website.

To apply you will need to demonstrate (as a minimum):

• The support of an identified designated prescribing practitioner (DPP).
• An appropriate practice-based learning environment in a prescribing setting that can offer appropriate clinical support.
• Evidence that you meet the course provider eligibility criteria (applicants will be subject to their chosen university’s enrolment processes).
• Commitment to use the skill within your area of competence and expertise, for the delivery of NHS clinical services as they emerge.

If you would like to know more about the General Pharmaceutical Council’s eligibility criteria for undertaking an independent prescribing course, please visit the GPhC website.

Eligible pharmacists may apply only to those universities as listed on the Health Education England website. Universities are listed by sector. Please note: the available universities differ depending on the sector you work in.

As part of the application process, all learners will need to assure their chosen university that they meet the course requirements.

Course length and the number of face-to-face days required vary between universities. Please check the individual university webpages for further information on course format.

Funding

Independent Prescribing training is available to pharmacists who meet the eligibility criteria. Tuition fees are fully funded by Health Education England (HEE). Pharmacists that are successful in applying to one of the approved universities will be allocated a fully funded place directly by the university. They do not need to apply to HEE for funding separately.

Further information

Please visit the Health Education England website to find out more about this crucial offer, including eligibility criteria, list of approved Universities and frequently asked questions.