MAFARPRA Advanced Pre-Registration Training Course description

Through practical training at a pharmacy, the students will gradually develop a basis for mastering the professional role of a pharmacist with a master’s degree (provisorfarmasøyt). The period of practical training will allow the students to practise applying their knowledge and to acquire skills that can only be learnt through practice. They should be able to contribute to promoting health and quality of life for individuals and society by actively using their expertise on pharmaceuticals at an advanced level. Considerable emphasis is placed on communication in connection with focus on solving drug related problems, medication reviews and cooperation with other health personnel. Special attention will be devoted to communication with vulnerable patient groups and challenges relating to intercultural communication. The students will reflect on their own progress and future role as a pharmacist.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge 

The student 

• can discuss the role and importance of pharmacists in cooperation with other health service professions
• can describe and discuss various aspects of managing a pharmacy and being a pharmacist
• can critically assess the effects, side effects and use of pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of physical and mental illnesses
• can critically assess problems relating to drug administration, clinical pharmacy and other pharmaceutical services
• can explain digital solutions in the health service and related legal challenges
• can discuss the development of the pharmacy profession from a sustainability perspective

Skills 

The student 

• can analyse, adapt and give advice on advanced pharmaceutical therapy and drug administration in cooperation with other health personnel, next of kin and patients
• can cooperate and communicate with a high degree of independence with people from different backgrounds and cultures
• can use their professional knowledge at an advanced level to identify and manage issues relating to pharmaceuticals, guide and facilitate user participation when dispensing prescription medicines and selling medical and other pharmacy products as a contribution to maintaining patient safety
• can critically assess the quality assurance system in pharmacies
• can carry out structured medication reviews in cooperation with other health personnel in the health service
• masters independent and responsible professional practice in accordance with acts, regulations, professional ethical guidelines and industry standards

General competence

The student 

• can communicate their pharmaceutical knowledge with professional confidence, both in writing and verbally, to relevant groups, and can document the healthcare provided
• can use their professional knowledge in cooperation with other health personnel, the authorities and general public to contribute to ensuring optimal pharmaceutical treatment and equitable pharmaceutical services
• can analyse and reflect on ethical issues in pharmaceutical practice, show respect for users of pharmaceutical services and provide guidance that safeguards the integrity and rights of users
• can critically reflect on their own limitations and be conscious of their own work and profession, and the pharmacist’s role in the pharmacy, society and in cooperation with other health personnel
• can use observations and experience from pharmacies as a basis for developing their own leadership role

The course comprises two months’ supervised practical training at a pharmacy. The work and teaching methods also comprise lectures and seminars where students work on assignments. Digital learning resources will be actively used in the course.

Discussion between the programme lecturers, practical training supervisors and students is facilitated via digital tools. Students will be closely followed up by a supervisor at the pharmacy and have regular supervisory sessions.  

During the period of practical training, the students will work individually on written assignments relating to the training. One written piece of feedback is given per assignment, provided that the student submits the assignments by the stipulated deadline. The assignment will later form part of the portfolio assessment (see ‘Assessment and exam’ below). 

No particular coursework requirements. 

Note that there is an attendance requirement for practical training. For more information about the attendance requirement for practical training, see ‘Assessment of practical training’ in the main section of the programme description.  

A combined assessment comprising:

Part 1 Practical training:

Assessment of practical training. The minimum attendance requirement for the practical training period is 90%. For more information about the attendance requirement for practical training, see ‘Assessment of practical training’ in the main section of the programme description. 

Part 2 Exam:

Individual portfolio comprising three written assignments, up to 1,500 words per assignment. All three assignments in the portfolio count equally with respect to grading. All the assignments in the portfolio must be awarded a pass grade (A-E) in order for the student to pass the exam.

Resit exam: If the student is awarded an F (fail) for one or more assignments in the portfolio, they will be given one (1) opportunity to submit a reworked version of the assignment(s).

Both part 1, the practical training, and part 2, the exam, must both be approved in order for the student to pass the course. A pass is required in part 1 (practical training) in order for the student to be able to take part 2 (exam). If the student fails part 1 (practical training), they must normally retake the whole period of practical training. 

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Part 1 Pass/fail

Part 2 Grade scale A-F.

Practical training

The midway and final assessments are carried out by the practical training supervisor and the person responsible for the course at the university. The final decision on whether to award a pass or fail grade is made by the university.

Exam

All exams are assessed by an internal and an external examiner.

None.