A routine review of pharmacy education standards seeks to ‘support innovation’ in the sector.
As the Australian pharmacist sector sits on the verge of a major scope change with numerous states looking to implement pharmacist-led prescribing, pharmacy accreditation regulations will be getting a refresher.
To be specific, the Australian Pharmacy Council is seeking feedback on its current standards and planned revisions for the Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Programs (2020) that are core to the regulation of pharmacy training programs.
The review is part of a five-year cycle, aligning with the oncoming Pharmacist Capability Framework that is developed in collaboration between the APC and Pharmacy Board of Australia.
This framework is where the roadmap for pharmacist prescribing is expected to describe the reforms that have been informed by stakeholders, the public and fellow pharmacy professionals.
“Pharmacy education is rapidly evolving in response to changes in healthcare delivery, expanded professional scope, and workforce needs,” APC Chief Standards Officer Kate Spencer said.
“New degree structures are emerging, with different program types that lead either to completion of an internship or directly to eligibility for general registration.
“The revised accreditation standards will continue to support innovation in pharmacy education design and delivery.”
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More general education models have also come under routine review with a Revised Literature Review (2026) identifying the potential for embedding pharmacist prescribing, similar to models implemented in the UK.
Collaborative care was also mentioned, with the APC looking to ensure that pharmacy graduates are prepared for collaborative care models.
“Australia’s accreditation standards align broadly with international frameworks but some possible areas of refinement to remain future-focused, may include increasing emphasis on interprofessional education and experiential learning to prepare graduates for collaborative care models,” the review reads.
“It is imperative to understand how other jurisdictions integrate competencies/capabilities, assure educational quality, and align accreditation processes with legislative and workforce imperatives.”
The RACGP has criticised the push for pharmacist-led prescribing due to the potential for healthcare fragmentation, with the college expected to provide a submission to the APC in the near future.
Written submissions to the revised accreditation standards can be made via an online form until 23 March 2026.
“They will facilitate innovation by education providers and support the delivery of high-quality, integrated programs that prepare graduates to meet the current and future needs of patients, communities, and the profession,” APC CEO Bronwyn Clark said on the updated standards.
“Public consultation is central to the way we work at APC, and I strongly encourage our stakeholders to participate.
“Your insights help us shape high‑quality, future‑focused standards that strengthen pharmacy education and support the profession well into the future.”
