Pharmacist training to improve access to care for Tasmanians

The Tasmanian Government is helping community pharmacists deliver more healthcare closer to home, with scholarship recipients undertaking expanded scope of practice training.

Community pharmacists from across Tasmania are undertaking a residential training week under the supervision of experts from James Cook University, which has partnered with the University of Tasmania to offer a Graduate Certificate in Expanded Pharmacy Practice.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said we are delivering improved access to care across the State.

“We are supporting our community pharmacists to assess and treat more conditions, so Tasmanians can access the care they need, closer to home,” the Premier said.

“Our Government is strengthening our health system by making it easier for people to receive treatment for common conditions at pharmacies, while helping reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals.

"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we're building a stronger health workforce and ensuring Tasmanians, no matter where they live, have better access to quality healthcare."

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said 150 postgraduate scholarships worth up to $7,000 each have been made available to help Tasmanian pharmacists across the State obtain full scope of practice credentials.

“Expanding the capabilities of pharmacists will give Tasmanians more care options where appropriate, while also freeing up GP appointments and saving families time and money,” Minister Archer said.

“This training will help pharmacists assess and manage more common health conditions, including ear infections, reflux, rhinitis, shingles, eczema and wound care.

“Pharmacists from right across Tasmania are taking part, meaning communities throughout the State will benefit from better access to timely, community-based health care.”

Associate Professor John Smithson, Academic Head – Pharmacy at James Cook University, said the residential training week was an important part of preparing pharmacists for expanded clinical services.

“Pharmacists are highly accessible health professionals, and this program is giving them the hands-on skills and supervised training needed to safely broaden the care they provide,” Associate Professor Smithson said.

Professor Glenn Jacobson, Head of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of Tasmania said, “Through our partnership with James Cook University, we’re helping Tasmanian pharmacists gain the skills and confidence to deliver more care in their local communities, while supporting the State’s immediate health workforce needs."

The first pharmacists are expected to commence treatment for additional conditions by the end of 2026.