Independent Prescriber (IP) training provision 2022-23 – applications now OPEN – action needed!

Health Education England (HEE) has announced the availability of 3,000 independent prescribing courses to pharmacists who meet the required eligibility criteria:

  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 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)

Courses will be available from September 2022 to March 2023, with several universities offering multiple dates for cohort intakes. Cohort start dates will depend on the university provider. 

University providers are now taking applications. Don’t miss out – check your eligibility and apply now.

Eligible pharmacists will also 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, please visit the GPhC website.

Eligible pharmacists may apply only to those universities as listed on our 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 meets 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 (IP) training is available to pharmacists who meet the eligibility criteria. Tuition fees are fully funded by Health Education England (HEE).

For further information or for any queries, please contact pharmacyteam@hee.nhs.uk