Scope of practice training in Queensland

Trained community pharmacists can assess, manage and treat a range of acute and chronic conditions—supporting Queenslanders where and when they need it most.

To work to your full scope, you’ll need to complete accredited training. Two pathways are available: full scope training or hormonal contraception prescribing.

Use this page to explore your options and get started.

TRAINING FOR SCOPE SERVICES

Community pharmacists who successfully complete full scope training through an accredited provider will be able eligible to offer services for all conditions originally included in the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, including medication management (therapeutic adaptation and substitution and continued dispensing) and autonomous prescribing for specified acute conditions and health and wellbeing services including:

Also included is protocol/structured prescribing as part of a chronic disease management program for:

• Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Program for type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia
• Improved Asthma (and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction) Symptom Program
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Monitoring Program

Training requirements

To deliver the full range of scope services, pharmacists are required to successfully complete additional education and training through an accredited education provider. Training includes both theoretical and practical components.

In addition to completing the approved training you must:

• Hold general registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
• Hold professional indemnity insurance that explicitly covers the activities of providing hormonal contraception services.
  • The PDL Master Policy automatically includes professional indemnity cover for members providing a service in line with the service’s approved guidelines.

Training providers

James Cook University (JCU) - Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists

Time commitment:

Approximately 12 months

Course outline:

Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists

• PC6100: Professional Practice for Pharmacists 1
• PC6200: Professional Practice for Pharmacists 2
• PC6300: Safe Prescribing for Pharmacists

Requires two 5-day face-to-face residential workshops and a final 7-station OSCE (3 online, 4 in-person).

Learn more

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) - Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program

Time commitment:

Approximately 12 months

Course outline

Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program

• Prescribing Training Program (PTP)
• Clinical Practice Training Program

Requires case study work with prescriber mentors, clinical blocks, workshops, written assessments, and a final OSCE. Resit fees may apply for unsuccessful attempts.

Learn more

TRAINING FOR HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION PRESCRIBING

If you only wish to prescribe hormonal contraception, you can complete a shorter, targeted course. Pharmacists who have already completed the full scope training are not required to complete this course again.

Training requirements

To provide hormonal contraception services, including prescribing hormonal contraception, you must complete an accredited education program.

In addition to completing the approved training you must:

• Hold general registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
• Hold professional indemnity insurance that explicitly covers the activities of providing hormonal contraception services.
  • The PDL Master Policy automatically includes professional indemnity cover for members providing a service in line with the service’s approved guidelines

Training providers

Australasian College of Pharmacy (ACP)

Time commitment:

Approximately 5–6 hours, including pre-work and live workshop.

Course outline:

Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptives

• Two-hour online modules
• Three-hour live online workshop
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Written assessment

Certification issued upon completion of all components.

Learn more

Supporting you at every stage of your scope journey

Whether you're still training or already prescribing, Drive to Prescribe offers Queensland pharmacists tailored tools, peer support, and expert guidance to build your confidence and capability - guiding your pathway to safely delivering more care, every step of the way.

Learn more about Drive to Prescribe