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Should I become a designated prescribing practitioner?
How do I decide on a scope of practice?
How can I prepare to train as an independent prescriber?
Plan well in advance — it can be difficult to secure a funded place.
How can I find an appropriate designated prescribing practitioner?
How do I decide on a scope of practice? Before starting an independent prescriber course, you must decide on an area of clinical practice to develop your prescribing skills — your ‘scope of practice’. When deciding on your scope of practice, consider what would be useful in your current role, as well as what you would like to do in the future.
What next once I have qualified?
Once you have passed the independent prescribing course, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has a six-point checklist on how to get started.
It is important to remember that you do not know everything – start slow, know your limitations and keep learning.
Seek advice, support and mentoring from senior pharmacist independent prescribers within your organisation.
Should I become a designated prescribing practitioner?
Once you are a qualified independent prescriber, you could consider paying it forward and helping to supervise trainee prescribers by becoming a DPP.
Think about whether you have gained the experience to do this and whether you have the time needed to commit to it.
How do I choose a course provider?
How do I make the most of the course?
How can I find an appropriate designated prescribing practitioner (DPP)?
You’ll need a DPP who agrees to supervise and assess you during a period of learning in practice.
Network with prescribing colleagues or contact your local GP surgery to search for DPPs. Consider whether potential DPPs have experience that is relevant for your scope of practice.
Do you have a good relationship with them and will they have enough time to spend with you? How many other trainees are they supervising, and will they want to be remunerated?
What next once I have qualified?
How do I choose a course provider?
When considering where to train, think about whether an online or face-to-face course would better suit your needs.
Most providers use a mixture of delivery methods, but some are completely online, which may work better if you do not want to travel or will struggle to take time off your day job. The General Pharmaceutical Council has a list of accredited course providers.
How do I make the most of the course?
Once you start the course, get organised and make every second count. Lean on your peers and colleagues for support.
Should I become an independent prescriber?
Consider whether being able to prescribe will be useful in your current or future roles. Think about whether you have a supportive employer and colleagues, and whether you have time to dedicate to training — both at work and at home.
Will you be able to access a funded training course, and have you considered any additional expenses that could be incurred?
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Should I become an independent prescriber?
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How can I prepare to become an independent prescriber?
What next once I have qualified?
Once you have passed the independent prescribing course, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has a six-point checklist on how to get started.
It is important to remember that you do not know everything – start slow, know your limitations and keep learning.
Seek advice, support and mentoring from senior pharmacist independent prescribers within your organisation.
How can I prepare to train as an independent prescriber?
How do I choose a course provider?
When considering where to train, think about whether an online or face-to-face course would better suit your needs.
Most providers use a mixture of delivery methods, but some are completely online, which may work better if you do not want to travel or will struggle to take time off your day job. The General Pharmaceutical Council has a list of accredited course providers.
What next once I have qualified?
What next once I have qualified?
Once you have passed the independent prescribing course, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has a six-point checklist on how to get started.
It is important to remember that you do not know everything – start slow, know your limitations and keep learning.
Seek advice, support and mentoring from senior pharmacist independent prescribers within your organisation.
How can I find an appropriate designated prescribing practitioner (DPP)?
You’ll need a DPP who agrees to supervise and assess you during a period of learning in practice.
Network with prescribing colleagues or discuss finding a DPP with the clinical director or lead technician for the area you are intending to practice in.
Do you have a good relationship with them and will they have enough time to spend with you? How many other trainees are they supervising, and will they want to be remunerated?