The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has announced the launch of a comprehensive new prescribing development programme to support pharmacists across all stages of their prescribing careers.
The initiative comes ahead of the NHS mandate that every newly qualified pharmacist will be an independent prescriber by 2026 — a change set to transform the future of pharmacy practice.
Open to RPS members, the programme will begin on 23 June 2025 and run for 18 months.
It will offer practical, ongoing support for pharmacists who are new to prescribing, returning to practice, or looking to expand their scope.
The programme will cover six themes, changing the theme every three months.
Each quarter, participants will explore a new theme through flexible, bite-sized learning formats, including podcasts, blogs, webinars, and e-learning modules available via RPS Learn.
They will also be able to build a personalised prescribing portfolio and track their development using the RPS Competency Framework for Prescribers.
“This new programme is about giving pharmacists the confidence and tools they need to thrive as prescribers,” said Helen Chang, RPS associate director for education.
“With independent prescribing becoming a central part of pharmacy practice, it’s crucial that pharmacists feel supported every step of the way.
"Whether you’re just starting or looking to build on your existing experience, this new training programme offers tailored, ongoing development to help you grow professionally and deliver safe, person-centred care.”
The new programme will build on the RPS’s existing resources for prescribers, including mentoring, Pharmacist Support services and learning content from the Pharmaceutical Journal.
