Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing
Build the knowledge, skills and confidence to prescribe safely, ethically and effectively within your scope of practice. This course develops advanced capabilities in patient consultation, clinical decision-making, health coaching, medication management and interprofessional collaboration.
Graduates will be equipped to apply evidence-based prescribing, create patient-centred management plans, and work collaboratively across healthcare settings.
Key Information:
Duration: 12 month part-time
Delivery: The program is self-paced, giving you the flexibility to fit your studies around your work and personal life.
Fees:
Professional Plus members: $11,495
All other PSA members: $12,495
Non-members: $12,495
Course fee and assessment attempt information
Note: Payment by instalments is not available for this program
NAT11243011 Prescribe medicines is accredited by
the Australian Pharmacy Council.
Entry requirements
Learners must:
- be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia under the requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy, or an equivalent or higher pharmacy qualification recognised in Australia.
- be employed in a pharmacy industry context (Community pharmacy, clinical pharmacy or hospital pharmacy) and have access to a pharmacy practice setting
- complete a PSA Pre-Training Review
- have or obtain a USI and provide this to the PSA as part of the enrolment process
Note: Learners on student visa (subclass 500) are not eligible to enrol.
How the course works
This course is delivered through self-paced blended delivery, comprising of combinations of self-paced online learning and assessment tasks, face-to-face practical clinical skills and application of skills in the workplace.
Assessment types include:
- objective structure clinical examinations (OSCE)
- direct observation
- multiple choice questions
- case studies
- short answer written and oral questions
- workplace projects
- peer reviews
- reflective practice portfolio
- de-identified patient consultation records
Relevant State and Territory information
Pharmacist prescribing and scope of practice are determined by national and each Australian state and territories legislation, regulations and professional requirements. As these requirements vary and may change over time, PSA does not guarantee that this qualification does, in itself, confer authority to undertake expanded prescribing activities. You are responsible for ensuring you satisfy all jurisdiction-specific requirements before practising within an expanded scope.
Why study with PSA?
The PSA’s 11404NAT Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing is a nationally recognised qualification under the AQF developed to support current and future pharmacist prescribers. PSA’s program offers:
- start immediately: No waiting for semester intakes or annual enrolment windows. Begin your studies when it suits you.
- study at your own pace: Complete the program around your professional and personal commitments (up to 24 months).
- Australia’s peak pharmacy body: Learn with the organisation shaping the future of pharmacy practice and helping drive prescribing and scope-of-practice evolution across Australia.
- Nationally recognised qualification, under the AQF: Graduate with the 11404NAT Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing.
Graduate ready to prescribe
Upon completion of this qualification, graduates will be able to:
- apply the knowledge and skills required to prescribe medicines safely, legally and ethically within their scope of practice
- conduct comprehensive patient consultations to inform safe and appropriate prescribing decisions
- apply evidence-based guidelines to clinical decision-making
- develop and implementing tailored patient-centred management plans to support the quality of medicines
- collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support integrated and coordinated health care.
Policies
View the current policies related to your training below.
FAQs
How much study is involved and can I record it as CPD?
The estimated volume of learning for this qualification is 796.5 hours (approximately 15hrs a week over 12 months). PSA recommends learners self-record the actual time spent undertaking learning and assessment activities using PSA’s CPD recording tool. Information on how to self-record can be found here.
Can I enrol into this qualification if I’m an intern pharmacist?
Yes, Intern pharmacists may be eligible to enrol however, they would need to consider their study workload. Learners must be registered as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia under the requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
What is the in-person commitment?
Learners must attend the following requirements in person:
- 5 day clinical skills workshop and assessment
- 1 day OSCE
These will be offered in each State & Territory when there is learner demand.
All face-to-face requirements are delivered at a progressed roll out (not consecutive).
What does the qualification include?
The 11404NAT Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing requires the successful completion of five (5) core units of competency.
Core units
- NAT11243005 Apply advanced consultation skills for collaborative decision making
- NAT11243006 Manage the quality use of medicines
- NAT11243009 Deliver primary health care
- NAT11243011 Prescribe medicines
- NAT11404001 Apply clinical knowledge and skills for safe prescribing
Do you offer credit transfers?
11404NAT Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing includes units of competency from 11255NAT Graduate Certificate in Applied Pharmacy Practice (NAT11243005 and NAT11243006). Candidates who have completed these units as part of 11255NAT Graduate Certificate in Applied Pharmacy Practice may be eligible for a credit transfer
Do you offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
RPL is a formal assessment process that recognises skills and knowledge gained through work experience, prior study, or other relevant professional practice. If successful, RPL allows you to receive recognition for units without repeating learning you have already achieved.
Important Information About RPL
- RPL is assessed per unit. You must apply separately for each unit
- you must provide sufficient and relevant evidence to demonstrate that you meet all unit requirements
- RPL is not automatic and is assessed by a qualified Trainer and Assessor
- you may be asked to provide additional evidence if gaps are identified
- if your application is unsuccessful, you can continue through the standard enrolment and learning pathway
For more information, please contact learner support at learnersupport@psa.org.au.
