Experiential Learning Programme Prepares Future Pharmacists

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of the 2024/25 Experiential Learning (EL) programme. This program offers pharmacy undergraduate students the opportunity to gain practical experience through multi-sector clinical work placements across Northern Ireland.

The EL program is designed to equip future pharmacists with the skills and knowledge necessary to play a more significant role in providing clinical care to patients and the public. Starting in 2026, graduates of the program will be eligible to become Independent Prescribers upon registration.

Minister Nesbitt emphasised the importance of this program in preparing the next generation of pharmacists to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Nesbitt said: "This is the second year of this successful programme, which will see pharmacy students in Northern Ireland benefit from the training by completing up to twelve weeks of practice-based learning in Hospitals, Community Pharmacies and General Practices across NI. This will provide them with actual practice-based experiences in a range of healthcare settings, facilitating them to interact with patients and engage in inter-professional practice.

"I welcome the continuing EL programme, as optimising the skills of Pharmacist Independent Prescribers can build more capability and much needed additional capacity within our HSC workforce, that can help to ease pressures in areas such as primary, secondary and emergency care. "Widening access to care can also assist in tackling health inequalities and I look forward to seeing the benefits for graduates, for the HSC and for patients."

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Professor Cathy Harrison said: "EL is an essential component within the initial education and training of pharmacy professionals. Utilising pharmacists' skills as patient-facing clinical specialists in medicines, can help to ensure that patients get the most safe, effective and right medicines.

"It's wonderful to see the EL programme grow and develop. As well as an experienced and committed network of hospital Trust Clinical Education and Practice Supervisor pharmacists, we also now have over 270 Community Pharmacists and 115 General Practice Pharmacists, who are providing EL Practice Supervisor training in supporting student learning in primary care.

"I would like to extend my best wishes to all student Pharmacists who are completing their EL placements this year and to NICPLD, the Universities, Hospitals, local Community Pharmacies, General Practices and all stakeholders, for their continued hard work and collaboration in helping to make the programme a continued success."

The Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD) at Queens University Belfast (QUB) has been commissioned by the Department to design, manage and deliver the EL programme. NICPLD is working with QUB, Ulster University (UU), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), GP Federations, Hospitals and local employers, to co-ordinate the work placements.