After many years of advocacy by the Guild, the Federal Government has endorsed the ability for pharmacists to use the title Doctor of Pharmacy.
The title will be able to be used by graduates of an approved Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9 Masters (Extended) of Pharmacy.
The announcement was made by Federal Health and Aged Care Minister, the Hon Mark Butler MP at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Annual Parliamentary Dinner on Tuesday evening.
The reform elevates the recognition of pharmacy in line with use of the title ‘Doctor’ by suitably qualified health professions such as physiotherapists, podiatrists and dentists.
It also advances the Guild’s vision to change the current base registrable degree from a Bachelor of Pharmacy to a Masters (Extended) of Pharmacy.
What this means for pharmacy students:
- Masters (Extended) graduates will be bestowed the title of Doctor of Pharmacy, correcting an overdue inequality, and bringing pharmacy in line with other health professions such as physiotherapists, podiatrists and dentists.
- The Masters (Extended) study will incorporate traditional post-bachelor qualifications, including immunisations; Intern Training Program, diagnosis and prescribing, UTI treatment and RMMR/HMR.
- A paid practical component within the Masters (Extended) degree, will replace the current post-graduation internship.
- Immediately post-graduation, it is intended that students will qualify for Pharmacy Board of Australia registration.
- From Day 1 of practice, Masters (Extended) graduates will be equipped with the skills of a full scope-of-practice pharmacist including with prescribing rights.
- The qualifications of Masters (Extended) graduates will be recognised in other comparable countries, providing international mobility and enhanced career opportunities.
Why the change is important for the future of community pharmacy:
- Community pharmacists are doing more for patients than ever before, treating an increased range of everyday health conditions. It’s important that students graduate as practice-ready for an evolving full scope of practice future.
- Australians already hold high levels of trust in community pharmacists. The title of Doctor will build on this trust and strengthen patients’ confidence in community pharmacists to provide an increased range of everyday health services.
- Elevating the profession, widening the qualifications and providing international parity are key to ensuring a community pharmacy future-ready workforce.
Where to from here? Next steps.
With the regulatory pathway now clear, the onus is on the Guild to work with pharmacy schools across the country to develop a Masters (Extended) curriculum that satisfies Pharmacy Board of Australia registration requirements.
Work is already underway, with the heads of schools meeting with the Guild in Canberra this week (pictured above). In preparation for this announcement, the Guild has worked closely with James Cook University on a potential curriculum framework.
This is a reform I could see was much needed, as far back as my time as NAPSA President. It will make pharmacy a more attractive career choice and importantly, widen and elevate the qualifications of pharmacy graduates of the future.
I will be hosting a webinar on Monday 9 December 2024 at 7pm (AEDT) to keep you updated on current work towards the Masters (Extended) of Pharmacy and what it means for you. Register now to join me on Zoom.
