Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This Graduate Certificate allows students to develop further knowledge and skills in a range of pharmacy practice-related areas. This course provides an opportunity for ongoing professional development at the same time as earning an additional qualification.

For pharmacy graduates, the course provides the opportunity to complete an internship course approved by the Pharmacy Board of Victoria and Pharmacy Board ACT, and to credit this towards a postgraduate qualification. Students can specialise in specific areas of practice by undertaking elective units which cover clinical, economic and wound care relevant to pharmacy.

The Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice assists pharmacy graduates to make the transition from student to independent, competent professional. It does this by helping interns to:

• consolidate and build upon the knowledge, skills, attitudes and experiences gained as an undergraduate
• apply their knowledge and skills to day-to-day pharmacy practice situations
• further develop the technical, clinical, personal and professional skills that form the basis of pharmacy practice
• further develop problem solving skills and application of professional judgement in patient care
• work within the ethical and legal framework of the profession
• explore personal career goals and expectations
• deal with professional and personal pressures associated with being a pharmacist
• become a 'life-long learner'.

Assessment

Elective units are assessed by a variety of methods including assignments, online activities and examinations.

Successful completion of VCP5015 (Geriatric pharmacy practice) is recognised by the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (AACP) for Stage 1 of the training program for accreditation of pharmacists to deliver Commonwealth-funded Medication Management Reviews.

Students complete two core 6-credit-point units and 12 credit points of elective units.

Students who intend to complete the Pharmacy Internship Program must complete two core units, commencing in mid January and finishing in late September.

Core units for new pharmacy graduates Internship Program

• VCP5011 Applied pharmacy practice I
• VCP5012 Applied pharmacy practice II

The units are comprised of online case-based discussions, led by moderators who are practicing pharmacists, and seminars. There are four two-day seminars each year, including lectures and small group tutorials. Students will also complete computer-assisted learning packages in pharmacy calculations and law, and prepare a learning portfolio, continuing professional development requirements, participation in the National Prescribing Service self-audits and case studies.

Detailed guides for the online discussions are provided to the intern's workplace preceptor, to enable the preceptor's involvement in the program.

Assessment is by seminar attendance, online discussion group participation, online quizzes, and submission of a learning portfolio and record of continuing professional development.

Core units for registered pharmacists

Students are required to complete at least two of the following:

• VCG5011 Evidence based practice
• VCP5015 Geriatric pharmacy practice
• VCW1102 Wound assessment

Electives

Students are required to complete 12 credit points of electives from the following:

• ECX9700 Introduction to health economics
• ECX9710 Pharmaceutical economics
• ECX9720 Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics
• ECX9730 Economic evaluation in healthcare
• ECX9750 Principles of health economics for developing countries
• VCG5011 Evidence based practice
• VCG5021 Patient data and pharmacotherapy I*
• VCP5013 Dermatology
• VCP5015 Geriatric pharmacy practice
• VCP5016 Geriatric disease state management
• VCP5017 Mental Health
• VCW1101 Biology of wound healing
• VCW1102 Wound assessment
• VCW1103 Wound dressings
• VCW1104 Management of acute wounds
• VCW1105 Management of chronic wounds
• VCW1106 Systemic medication and wound healing

* Enrolment into this elective is subject to approval. Students are required to be working in an Australian hospital clinical setting.

Minimum grade for articulation

A minimum of a credit average is required for articulation to the Master of Pharmacy Practice.

Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate students who achieve a credit average or above can articulate into the Master of Pharmacy Practice, or apply for entry to the Master of Clinical Pharmacy or Master of Wound Care.

Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice