Why Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing?
The Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing empowers registered pharmacists to take the next step in their career and play a leading role in primary healthcare, while practising within their professional and personal scopes of practice.
You’ll advance your skills in clinical assessment, decision-making, and evidence-based prescribing, enabling you to manage acute, chronic, and preventative health conditions with confidence.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing prepares you to deliver patient‑centred care precisely and confidently. This program enables registered pharmacists to complete the required postgraduate training as practically as possible.
Develop skills to deliver care that is respectful and responsive to each person’s unique needs, in accordance with expanded scope requirements. This includes using an evidence-based prescribing framework and basic physical examination techniques to confidently provide expanded scope healthcare services.
Complete four core courses over one year of part-time study – allowing you to balance study and work priorities. Engage in self-directed study, interactive workshops and case-based simulations that help you apply knowledge to real clinical situations.
The graduate certificate has been designed in collaboration with our partners in the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
You must be a Registered Pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and hold General Registration with no conditions to be eligible to apply for this program.
Key features
Be one of the first expanded scope pharmacists in South Australia to graduate from Adelaide University.- Develop skills in diagnosis and management of common conditions.
- Study mostly online, with some essential on-campus clinical training and work-integrated experience under an approved AHPRA-registered prescriber required.
- Balance study with your work as a pharmacist - study part-time and complete your studies within one year.
- Designed in collaboration with the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing is designed and developed in accordance with the SA Health Education Requirements for the South Australian ‘Community Pharmacy Expanded Scope of Practice’ initiative.
Over one year of part-time study, you’ll learn how to prescribe medicines judiciously, appropriately, safely and effectively through four core subjects:
- Pharmacist Prescribing Skills 1
- Pharmacist Prescribing Skills 2
- Pharmacist Prescribing: Clinical Care 1
- Pharmacist Prescribing: Clinical Care 2.
These courses are designed to meet the accreditation standards and performance outcomes of the APC Standards for Pharmacist Prescribing Programs. You’ll demonstrate prescribing competency through both simulated and real patient experiences, incorporating Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
The graduate certificate reinforces skills like prescribing frameworks, healthcare procedures, teamwork and self-reflection. The clinical training component will cover the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of the conditions outlined within the initiative. The assessment approach uses authentic, competency-based methods aligned with real-world practice. You'll be evaluated on theoretical knowledge and practical performance throughout your studies.
Please note this program will be largely delivered online, however face-to-face attendance will be mandatory for specific activities.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for Core courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing Skills 1
|
Course code
PHAR5038
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing Skills 2
|
Course code
PHAR5039
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing: Clinical Care 1
|
Course code
PHAR5040
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing: Clinical Care 2
|
Course code
PHAR5041
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing Skills 1
|
Course code
PHAR5038
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing: Clinical Care 1
|
Course code
PHAR5040
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing Skills 2
|
Course code
PHAR5039
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Prescribing: Clinical Care 2
|
Course code
PHAR5041
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Adelaide University provides contemporary, accessible learning, that enables graduates to be confident, competent and capable practitioners.
As the role of pharmacists in South Australia expands under the SA Community Pharmacy Expanded Scope of Practice Initiative, completing the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing will equip pharmacists to deliver high-quality care for a broader range of common health conditions. This advanced training enables pharmacists to provide additional healthcare access and support within their communities, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments and primary care while offering South Australians safe, effective, and convenient options for managing their health.
Industry trends
Across Australia, community pharmacists are embracing an exciting era of expanded practice, transforming healthcare access. Supported by state initiatives, pharmacists can now diagnose, manage, and prescribe for common conditions, improving patient access and easing pressure on GPs and emergency departments. Nearly 9 in 10 Australians support pharmacist-delivered services when provided by trained, accredited professionals. With robust training, accreditation, and regulatory frameworks, this expanded scope empowers pharmacists to deliver safe, high-quality, and convenient care, reinforcing their essential role as accessible, trusted healthcare leaders in communities nationwide.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Ask Adelaide University
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
