The University of Newcastle has commenced Semester 1 of its expanded scope of practice training program for pharmacists (Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing) today (27 January 2026), with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) also accepting enrolments.
These programs will prepare pharmacists to deliver a broader range of clinical services, including everyday conditions such as ear infections and hay fever.
These 100 community pharmacists, commencing training today, are investing in workforce development to meet growing healthcare needs, with the training programs set to qualify them to work to their full scope of practice and deliver more care closer to home.
Mario Barone, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch, says pharmacists are ready to do more and are backing that commitment with training and education.
“This is about equipping our workforce to provide vital services that ease pressure on hospitals and improve access for patients,” says Mr Barone.
“We are excited to see the start of a full-scope curriculum in our universities, we’re equipping pharmacists with the skills to provide expert, accessible care for 23 common conditions — from reflux and acute nausea to allergies, asthma, hypertension, and oral contraception.”
In addition, the NSW Rural Doctors Network is offering scholarships to pharmacists undertaking this training, ensuring rural and regional communities benefit from improved access to care.
“This is a game-changer for patients in rural and remote areas,” says Mr Barone.
“With the right training and support, pharmacists can provide essential services where they’re needed most.”
Confidence in pharmacists ranks among the highest of all frontline health professionals, demonstrating strong public backing for this investment.
“We are empowering pharmacists to treat some non-complex conditions to relieve pressure on our GPs and make it easier for people to access care when they need it,” says NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park.
“We support the national approach to the expansion of the scope of practice, which we are pleased is progressing.”
A new report from Deloitte Access Economics titled ‘Economic Analysis of Expanded Community Pharmacy Services’ underscores the importance of workforce readiness in unlocking the full benefits of expanded pharmacy services.
The report projects that these services could deliver:
- Up to $158.4 million annually in reduced acute and subacute healthcare costs for NSW Health.
- Quality-of-life gains valued at up to $719.3 million annually, through timely intervention and improved chronic care.
- Critical hospital capacity, freeing over 191,974 bed days and 81,129 hours of ED time each year.
Text by: Pharmacy Guild of Australia.Â
