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Introduction to the Master of Pharmacy Program
The Master of Pharmacy program at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is designed to prepare students for a career in pharmacy, taking into account the recent changes in the Australian pharmacy profession. These changes have opened up new opportunities for pharmacists, enabling them to work to the full extent of their scope of practice.
Recent Changes in the Pharmacy Profession
Over the last 12 months, the introduction of new pharmacy services has transformed the way pharmacists deliver care. Depending on their training and location, pharmacists can now give some vaccinations, supply antibiotics for urinary tract infections, initiate or re-supply some oral contraceptive pills, and manage common skin conditions using medications that were previously only available with a prescription. These changes recognize the expertise of pharmacists as medication experts and reflect the growing demand for expanded access to healthcare services.
Transforming Multiple Pharmacy Career Paths
The new services are enabling pharmacists to work in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and aged care facilities. For example, hospital pharmacists are now taking patient histories and charting medications under a model called partnered pharmacist medication charting and prescribing. Pharmacists embedded in general practice are helping to optimize patient medications and working collaboratively with GPs to support the quality use of medicines. In aged care settings, pharmacists are being embedded in residential facilities, providing a more holistic view of residents' medication needs and conducting medication reviews.
The UTS Master of Pharmacy Program
The UTS Master of Pharmacy program is taught by a team of academic and clinical pharmacy professionals, supported by an industry advisory board that helps shape the course curriculum. The program includes clinical placements, which give students a taste of the diversity of pharmacy careers on offer and a glimpse into how the changing profession is reflected in different pharmacy settings. The program also includes regular opportunities for students to interact with decision-makers and other major players in the pharmacy profession.
Learning Approach
The learning approach in the Master of Pharmacy program is reinforced in three key ways:
- Teaching and learning: The program is taught by a team of academic and clinical pharmacy professionals.
- Clinical placements: A major feature of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in various pharmacy settings.
- Industry engagement: Regular opportunities for students to interact with decision-makers and other major players in the pharmacy profession.
Preparing Students for a Career in Pharmacy
The UTS Master of Pharmacy program is preparing current and future students to embrace the opportunities of a career in this ever-evolving field. With more changes on the horizon, including legislative changes that will pave the way towards more senior pharmacy qualifications, the opportunities for pharmacists are just beginning.
Research Areas
The program covers various research areas, including:
- Pharmacy practice
- Medication management
- Patient care
- Healthcare services
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Pharmacy program can pursue various career paths, including:
- Community pharmacy
- Hospital pharmacy
- Aged care pharmacy
- Research and development
- Academia
Conclusion
The UTS Master of Pharmacy program is designed to prepare students for a career in pharmacy, taking into account the recent changes in the Australian pharmacy profession. The program provides students with a comprehensive education, clinical placements, and industry engagement, preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of a career in pharmacy.