Applications for NHS England funded independent prescribing courses are open!
We encourage Pharmacists from across sectors, including Community Pharmacy and Locums, to seize this opportunity.
Courses are available up to March 2026, 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 independent prescribing courses at a variety of universities across England:
- 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.
- Pharmacists enrolled on CPPE’s Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) and who meet the PCPEP criteria to enrol on an independent prescribing course.
- 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 may apply only to those universities as 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.
Universities are listed on the NHS England website by sector. Please note: the available universities differ depending on the sector you work in.
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.
For any further enquiries:
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