As we approach the start of the new academic year, the competition is growing to sign up the best pre-registration students. But how many students will look to independent pharmacy – and how many independents have even considered taking on a pre-reg?

A quick search on the RPSGB website under my own postcode shows only multiples with approved premises in the area. Unsurprising. We know the multiples offer excellent placements – indeed we probably did one ourselves – but if we are serious about the future of independent pharmacy in this country, we must consider how we educate students about this sector. It is natural for those students who have placements with the multiples to look there for their future career. Yet independent pharmacy offers some of the best opportunities to experience the breadth of community pharmacy services and build real relationships with patients – coupled with the chance to view closely how a business is run.

Unfortunately, there are tutors who do use pre-registration students as simply a subsidised staff member and this undoubtedly leads to poor job satisfaction. The experience felt by students in community pharmacy is predominantly down to the input from their tutor alone, how well they stretch them and provide opportunities to develop beyond simple dispensing tasks. So don’t undertake it lightly.

There is a huge amount of satisfaction that can come from training a student and helping them enter the profession – it can be very rewarding. It also enables tutors to keep up to date with current thinking and discuss clinical issues with a fellow professional. A pre-reg can also help meet staffing requirements as it counts as 0.5 of a person in the new contract. In the past, very little was provided formally by independent pharmacists for trainees which could impact on their ability to attract pre-reg staff compared with the multiples. But Numark started the first programme for independents three years ago and we have trained over 150 students since then with 52 enrolled for this year’s programme. Now independents can compete with multiples to attract the best students – and the programme is open to all independents – not just Numark members.

So come on independents, get your premises approved and think about becoming a tutor – it is rewarding for you and the future of independent pharmacy could very possibly lie in your hands!

Jane Lumb
Training manager

Numark