The Company Chemists' Association (CCA) has raised concern that pharmacies may face challenges in providing placements to pharmacy students graduating in
2025 due to shortages of designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs).
From the academic year 2025/26, all pharmacy students will be required to complete 90 hours of training with designated prescribing practitioners prior to their
registration.
However, the CCA has raised doubts regarding the availability of these healthcare professionals to provide such training.
The association said: "We are concerned that pharmacies will be unable to secure DPPs. This will result in a significant reduction in the number of Foundation
Pharmacist placements available within the community pharmacy sector.
Consequently, a significant number of graduates leaving university next year will, unfortunately, struggle to find employment in their chosen career."
As per the CCA, they have repeatedly raised their concerns with NHS England and cautioned them about the potential consequences arising from the lack of DPPs.