NHS Hospital Pharmacist Training Programme in UK

ABSTRACT

The aim of the research was to explore post-registration training opportunities for NHS hospital pharmacists which contributes to promote structural reform of the professional development and lifelong learning for Korean hospital pharmacists. In UK, all pharmacists are required to complete at least 9 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) entries per each year to maintain their professional registration. Types of accredited postgraduate qualification (part-time) in Pharmacy Practice available for hospital pharmacists are Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert, year 1), Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip, year 2), Master of Science (MSc year 3), and Professional Doctorate in Pharmacy programme (DPharm, 4-5 years or more). Clinical pharmacy diploma is more likely to become a minimum qualification in order to progress whilst working for the NHS. Pharmacy independent prescribers are allowed to prescribe all medications except cocaine, dipipanone, and diamorphine for the purpose of treating addiction within their competencies. NHS pharmacists are also classified by band point system depending on their practical/clinical knowledge and skills which starting from band 5 (Pre-registration pharmacist) up to band 9. Various learning and development options are also offered including teaching sessions, conferences and local forums.