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PSA launches credentialing program

2 July 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched its full suite of credentials today, including pathways for both experienced consultant pharmacists and those looking to expand their practice.

The Medication Management Review (MMR) credential and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) credential are now open for enrolment. Pharmacists with relevant experience can submit evidence of qualifications and/or practical experience as part of a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway for both the MMR and ACOP credentials.

PSA is currently the only education provider to offer a full suite of products, including both credentials and RPL pathways for both. To continue its support for credentialed pharmacists, PSA is offering the MMR Credential through the RPL pathway free of charge for Professional Plus members.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said today’s credentialing program launch marks the next milestone in PSA’s package for credentialed pharmacists.

“PSA’s credentialing program is built by pharmacists, for pharmacists,” Associate Professor Fei Sim said. “We are proud to offer a full suite of education and support to our credentialed pharmacist members, from credentialing and all the way through your everyday practice.

“Our support doesn’t stop once you gain your credentials, we are proud to continue supporting you and your practice with regular clinical updates, continued professional development, industry-leading practice support, and the annual Consultant Pharmacist Conference.

“We continue to invest in credentialed and consultant pharmacists, not only through a great membership product and leading training program, but also through our advocacy for the future of comprehensive medication management.

“PSA’s long history of advocating for Medication Management Reviews and Aged Care Onsite Pharmacists does not stop here. We are your voice, we are your peak body.

“PSA is the home of credentialed and consultant pharmacists – issuing the credentials you need to continue in your practice, connecting you with your colleagues, and advocating for the future of the services you provide,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

Leading consultant pharmacist Adjunct Associate Professor Debbie Rigby FPS welcomed the launch, pointing to PSA’s growing support for credentialed and consultant pharmacists.

“I’m excited to be joining PSA to amplify the voices of consultant pharmacists and the valuable role they play in medication safety and quality use of medicines through multidisciplinary, collaborative care,” Ms Rigby said.

“PSA’s credentials highlight the strong commitment of PSA towards the practice of consultant pharmacy and supporting members to deliver high quality medication management and care.”

PSA’s MMR and ACOP credentials are now open for enrolments. Visit https://www.psa.org.au/career-and-support/credentialed-pharmacists/ for more information. ​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

MRNs extended for credentialing transition

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the extension of Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) to support credentialed pharmacists to continue providing MMR services during the transition to a new credentialing system.

The extension was announced today by the Department of Health and Aged Care Assistant Secretary – Pharmacy Branch, David Laffan, in an email to credentialed pharmacists. The move gives pharmacists 12 months to transition to a new credential, including a Medication Management Review (MMR) credential, and an Aged Care credential.

PSA is set to offer both MMR and Aged Care credentials, as well as offer a pathway for recognition of prior learning to recognise the experience of practising credentialed pharmacists in line with the Accreditation Standards for MMR and Aged Care On-site Pharmacist education programs | Australian Pharmacy Council.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that PSA’s priority and commitment to workforce development have not changed.

“We have been in discussions with the Department for some time to ensure that transition arrangements are in place to minimise disruption to patient services and allow the existing workforce to continue providing MMR services in the immediate term.

“I’m pleased to see action from the Department to allow these services to continue.

A/Prof Sim said that PSA’s credentialing program, which is pending accreditation with the Australian Pharmacy Council, is set to feature ongoing support for credentialed pharmacists and those seeking credentials.

“PSA continues to approach this fast-moving practice area with the intent to support our workforce, and to ensure that the credentialing and recredentialing process is achievable and affordable.

“All pharmacists who have already undergone credentialing will be able to apply for PSA’s recognition of prior learning as part of the new credentialing process.

“PSA is proud to offer further support to members, including offering the new MMR credential to currently credentialed pharmacists with recognition of prior learning at no cost for Professional Plus members.

“This is part of our ongoing support for this workforce, solidifying our place as the home for credentialed pharmacists.”

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au