Eligibility for IP training will require:¹⁴

·      securing the support of an identified DPP;

·      an appropriate practice-based learning environment in a prescribing setting that can offer appropriate clinical support.

·      evidence that the applicant meets the course provider eligibility criteria;

·      commitment to use the skill within the applicant’s area of competence and expertise, for the delivery of NHS clinical services as they emerge.

Pharmacists no longer need to have had two years’ practice before starting a course. Instead, “applicants must… have relevant experience in a pharmacy setting and be able to recognise, understand and articulate the skills and attributes required by a prescriber. Applicants must also identify an area of clinical or therapeutic practice on which to base their learning.”¹⁴

The General Pharmaceutical Council lists accredited IP course providers. NHS England has been developing funded training offers for pharmacists aiming to become independent prescribers. At the time of writing, applications for training offers with start dates up to March 2027 are open.^12,14

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) helps fund IP training costs (eg locum cover for the face-to-face training) for 150 community pharmacists each year. NHS Education in Scotland NES Pharmacy also sets out details of support it can offer Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (PIPs) during their training period, when moving from training into practice once qualified, or if returning to prescribing practice.^10,15