Independent Prescribing courses 2024-25

Independent Prescribing courses for pharmacists in 2024/25: Applications now open. 

The ability to independently prescribe is crucial for pharmacists delivering care across the NHS. 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 of 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. 

Applications for independent prescribing courses for Pharmacists are now open. Courses are available until end March 2025, with several universities offering multiple dates for cohort intakes. Start dates will depend on the university provider.  

Pharmacists who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to apply for one of the places on independent prescribing courses at a variety of universities across England:  

1. Community pharmacists (including locum pharmacists); 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); and Health and Justice pharmacists  

2. Pharmacists enrolled on CPPE’s Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) and who meet the PCPEP criteria to enrol on an independent prescribing course  

3. Pharmacists working in an NHS Hospital Trust or Mental Health Trust (NHS managed sector); pharmacists working in an integrated care board (ICB), previously CCG pharmacists  

Eligible pharmacists can apply to universities listed on the NHS England website. 

They 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, visit the GPhC website. 

Eligible pharmacists may apply only to those universities as listed on the NHS England website.

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 NHS England. 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 NHS England for funding separately. 

Further information 

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

For any further enquiries, please contact england.pharmacyteam@nhs.net