Work Integrated learning (WIL) is a core component of the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing Practice and provides students with opportunities to apply and demonstrate prescribing competencies in an authentic clinical environment under supervision.

Students undertaking the prescribing practice topics (PHAR8003 and PHAR8004) must have access to an appropriate clinical setting and a suitably qualified Designated Prescriber (DP) who will provide supervision, feedback and workplace-based assessment. The DP must be an Ahpra-registered health practitioner (for example: medical practitioner, nurse practitioner) with prescribing authority and at least 12 months of relevant experience in the area of practice in which the student is developing prescribing competence. Examples of eligible DPs may include.

Students are responsible for identifying a suitable DP and practice environment. The University will provide guidance regarding eligibility requirements, documentation and approval processes. Prior to commencing WIL activities, students will be required to submit documentation to support approval of their proposed DP and practice setting.

To enable approval of a Designated Prescriber (DP), students will be required to submit supporting documentation, including:

• Evidence of the DP's current Ahpra registration
• Documentation demonstrating the DP's prescribing experience and suitability to provide supervision.
• A completed WIL Supervision Agreement outlining the proposed supervision arrangements, including how the DP will support the student's learning and any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest

All proposed Designated Prescribers and practice settings must be reviewed and approved by the teaching team prior to commencement of workplace-based prescribing activities

Throughout the WIL component, students will complete a range of workplace-based learning and assessment activities that allow them to demonstrate safe, effective and person-centred prescribing practice. Progression through these activities will be based on demonstrated competence and satisfactory supervisor feedback. Further information regarding WIL requirements, supervision arrangements, assessment expectations and documentation will be provided in the Course Information and WIL Handbook.

Students may incur travel and other associated costs related to completing WIL activities.

The course includes approximately 120 hours of supervised work-integrated learning, distributed across the four topics, with the greatest emphasis in the final capstone topic.

Yes. However, students must attend required on-campus activities and secure access to an approved practice environment for WIL. Students are responsible for any costs associated with attending compulsory on-campus workshops, intensive activities and assessments, including travel and accommodation where required. These costs will vary depending on individual circumstances.

Students should be aware that the course is based on the SA clinical practice guidelines and it is their responsibility to ensure that the knowledge and skills developed through the course align with the relevant legislation, clinical practice guidelines, scope of practice and regulatory requirements in the jurisdiction in which they intend to practise.

To participate fully in the clinical skills training, simulation activities, workplace-based learning, and prescribing assessments associated with the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing Practice, students will be required to have access to the following equipment:

• A penlight torch (approximately $5–10)
• A Littmann Classic III stethoscope or equivalent clinical stethoscope (approximately $170–250)
• An otoscope suitable for teaching and clinical skills practice (approximately $100–200)
• A computer with reliable internet access, webcam, microphone and speakers/headset for online learning activities and virtual workshops

The cost of purchasing equipment will vary depending on the brand and supplier selected. Students are responsible for obtaining any required equipment and associated travel costs for attendance at compulsory on-campus workshops, intensive activities and assessments.

Assessment methods include written assessments, clinical case analyses, workplace-based assessments, prescribing portfolios, simulations and OSCEs. Further details can be found in the respective topic information in the Flinders Handbook.

The Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing Practice develops the knowledge, skills and competencies required for pharmacist prescribing in accordance with the requirements of the Pharmacy Board of Australia, Ahpra and relevant South Australian legislation.

The medicines, services and clinical conditions that pharmacists may prescribe are determined by the legislative, regulatory and scope of practice requirements in place at the time of practice.

Completion of this course does not, by itself, authorise a pharmacist to prescribe. Graduates must meet all relevant endorsement, authorisation and legislative requirements before undertaking prescribing activities.

Further information:  SA Health – Resources for Pharmacists (Community Pharmacy Expanded Scope of Practice Initiative); and Community Pharmacist Prescribing Code (SA Health).

No. The course is currently progressing through accreditation with the Australian Pharmacy Council and approval processes with the South Australian Office of the Chief Pharmacist.

Applications will be considered in accordance with Flinders University policy. Due to the unique nature of the program, opportunities for RPL are unlikely.

Yes. Pharmacists who have completed relevant cultural safety or cultural competency training as part of their continuing professional development may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Supporting documentation must be uploaded to the University's InPlace system.

Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing Practice (AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate).