Pharmacist Independent Prescribing PGCert

Mode of delivery: Part time, approximately 2 evening sessions and 11 on-campus study days

Duration: 6 months

Start date: September

Intake: Up to 24 students

Entry requirements:

• We welcome applications from candidates interested in our course who have the skills and capability to excel. All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on their qualifications, experience, references and motivation.

• You must have worked in their chosen area of clinical practice for a minimum of one year.

• You must be a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

• You must have a minimum of 2 years post-registration experience within a patient-facing role.

• You must currently be employed in a patient-facing role.

• You must have a confirmed Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) in place, who will take responsibility for supporting and supervising experiential learning for a period of 12 days (90 hours). GP trainers can act as DMPs for community pharmacists.

• You must have written approval from their employer supporting their study.

• A relevant clinical diploma (or equivalent) is desirable.

• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. English language test requirements may be waived where students’ undergraduate degree was studied in an English speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements.
• The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
  

How to apply:

• The application deadline is 31 August 2018
  

• There are two stages to the application form:

1. Complete the PgCert Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Entry Form ( you will need to upload this form during the second step)
2. Complete the Aston University Online Application Form.

• UK/EU students: £3,300
  

• This course comprises of one Level 7, 60-credit module that has been developed in accordance with the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) requirements, and is approved by Health Education West Midlands.

  This generic course has been designed to expand students’ existing knowledge and develop prescribing skills to support effective clinical care of patients in a patient-facing prescribing role. This course is suitable for all clinical specialties.

  The aim of this course is to enable students to:

  • Understand the role and responsibilities of an independent prescriber
  • Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively
  • Use diagnostic aids relevant to the conditions for which the pharmacist intends to prescribe, including monitoring response to therapy
  • Develop effective communication skills and relationships with patients, carers, other prescribers and members of the healthcare team
  • Describe the pathophysiology of the condition being treated, and recognise the signs and symptoms of illness
  • Take an accurate medical history and carry out relevant clinical assessments
  • Utilise knowledge and skills in a critical and systematic manner

  When achieved, students will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate presenting complaints of patients, and
  • Respond to varied clinical situations, multiple pathologies or complex medical needs, guided by consultation and diagnostic methods designed to establish reliable identification of clinical presentations and therapeutic options.