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With inflation and the cost of living rising significantly in recent years, even the most qualified Pharmacists will undoubtedly need more money to survive.
So, if you are lucky enough to be an independent prescriber, there are many ways that you can boost your income outside of your salary or have more streams of income as a self-employed pharmacist.
Good news for those currently studying to become Pharmacists, as the independent prescribing qualification is now embedded into the MPharm Programme. So, as of 2026, pharmacists joining the GPhC register will automatically be annotated as independent prescribers if they:
• Have been fully trained to the 2021 initial education and training of pharmacists standards
• Passed the GPhC registration assessment, and
• Meet the GPhC criteria for registration
However, if a Pharmacist is already qualified or set to join the register before 2026, they will not automatically receive this annotation. To qualify as an independent prescriber, they must complete one of the GPhC-accredited courses and undergo the relevant training¹.
To make this more achievable, the GPhC has approved changes to the requirements for entry to independent prescribing courses, including removing the requirement for two years of practice before starting a course.
It has been replaced by the following requirements: “Applicants must… have relevant experience in a pharmacy setting and be able to recognise, understand and articulate the skills and attributes required by a prescriber. Applicants must also identify an area of clinical or therapeutic practice on which to base their learning.”
So, I’m now an Independent Prescribing Pharmacist - Show me the money!
So, now you have qualified as an Independent Prescriber, how does the money start rolling in?
Pharmacists are experts in medicines and so play a vital role in delivering care and helping people maintain and improve their health, safety, and well-being. This also means they are well equipped with a broad scope of skills that can be monetised.
The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving and Pharmacists, especially for Independent Prescribers, have an opportunity now more than ever to not only use their skills to help more people but also earn more money whilst doing so. Also, qualifying as an Independent Prescriber can definitely mature into an investment in personal development.
With the appropriate strategies, independent prescribers can diversify their income, broaden their reach, and mitigate potential risks. This article will explore some ways that Independent Prescribers can unlock more revenue.
Private Clinics
With the increase of more patients going down the route of private healthcare, online or physical clinics, the skills of Independent Prescribing Pharmacists are vital in this area. As experts in medication and prescribing, it’s the perfect location for a budding Pharmacist.
● Weight Management Clinics
● Chronic Disease Management
● Women’s/Men’s Health Clinics
● Holistic Care Clinics
● Travel Clinics
Private clinics generally require pharmacists to provide clinical consultations and issue prescriptions. Some clinics may also ask pharmacists to provide medication advice or support other members of the team, whilst other clinics typically require pharmacists to conduct clinical consultations and write prescriptions. Some clinics may also request that pharmacists offer medication advice or assist other team members.
Whilst this option provides a great opportunity, it is important that before starting any work in this area of pharmacy, risks are mitigated, especially when the patient is not in the room (e.g. online prescribing). So, as a Prescribing Pharmacist, it is essential that everything you do, you are comfortable. Always make sure that the work you are doing is in line with the guidance given to Independent Prescribers by the GPhC².
2. Locuming
You probably did not think this would be on this list. If it’s an option, then why not? Picking up extra Locum shifts is likely one of the simplest ways for pharmacists to make extra money. It’s not new that there has been an issue with declining rates. However, there are still some Pharmacies out there that offer great rates for Locum Pharmacists.
Essentially, locuming can be a good way to earn an extra £500-£1000 a week, depending on the hours you work and the rate. You may be able to pick up extra shifts when needed and go back to your normal hours when you don’t need the extra income.
3. Telemedicine
Telepharmacy is an emerging field that allows pharmacists to work remotely. With healthcare being digitalised, there is a lot of opportunity for Independent Prescribers to work remotely with NHS GP Practices. Some GP Practices are looking for Pharmacists to carry out medication reviews and to help with repeat dispensing.
There are many emerging companies that are looking for Pharmacists to work on a Locum basis with GP Practices. There are even opportunities for out-of-hours work, which can fit outside of your normal working hours. Again, like Private Healthcare, risks should be managed and assessed before taking out any remote prescribing work.
4. Aesthetics
These days aesthetic clinics and wellness centres have seen a big boost in traffic in recent years. Botox, lip fillers and IM vitamin injections and many more procedures, have become increasingly popular. Many Pharmacist prescribers are using their skills to not only deliver the treatments but also prescribe the medication needed. By doing an accredited course (some courses can even be completed in one day!).
Some Pharmacists even go on to run their clinics. It’s important as healthcare professionals, the right insurance and tools are available, whilst following guidelines. With that being said, Aesthetics Pharmacists can make up to £50,000 per year! Being an independent prescriber can have a positive effect on businesses. Meaning that treatments such as botulinum toxin can be provided from start to finish, which allows the aesthetics practitioner to work more efficiently. Additionally, from a practical point of view, independent prescribers can work on-site to fit the needs of the business.
5. Content Creation
Content creation is an amazing way for any budding Independent Prescriber to earn more money. Because of the skillsets, companies and brands are looking to use that expertise. If you enjoy creating content on social media, then why not get paid to do it?
It may take a while to get your feet off the ground (you may have to start with some free collaborative posts). Filming content can be quite time-consuming, especially if you have a busy schedule. You can earn anywhere from £150 - £1000, for a single post. Be sure that what you are promoting is ethical and is not misleading and you will definitely start seeing the money roll in!
6. Health Programs and Workshops
Hosting workshops, webinars, and wellness programs positions independent prescribers as thought leaders. These can target niche markets such as mental health, women’s health,h and holistic care - to name a few!
With your education and communication skills, why not look into public speaking as a fun way to make more money? You can speak on specific topics, be an expert on and hold various workshops and seminars, using your knowledge as a Prescriber in that particular field of healthcare.
7. Consulting
You may be able to offer your expertise as a consultant. Companies in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries always look for qualified professionals with the experience to help them make decisions or develop products/services. More recently, there are a lot of health tech/digital start-ups looking for healthcare professionals to consult on their products/systems.
It may be that you are an expert in a particular field of Pharmacy, but you never know where your expertise is needed and why not profit from it.
8. Writing A Book
While the task may seem daunting and time-consuming, it doesn't have to be! You can take an idea from concept to finished product in just weeks or months, not years (with enough effort). Thanks to ebooks, audiobooks and many new self-publishing tools, writing and publishing a book is easier than ever.
As an Independent Prescriber, you can once again leverage your expertise in a certain area of healthcare.
9. Medical Writing
Medical writers in pharmacy work with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to develop drug documentation that meets regulatory requirements. This includes summaries of product characteristics, package leaflets and clinical trial reports. There is room for Independent Prescribers as Medical Writers because their expertise allows pharmacists to communicate the benefits, risks, and appropriate use of medication to patients and other stakeholders.
And, Finally!
So, in conclusion - Independent prescribers have a vast number of opportunities to diversify income and grow their businesses, especially in the digital age. By strategically expanding services, leveraging online platforms, and forming smart partnerships, IPs can certainly unlock significant increases in income, whilst managing associated risks!
Ready to turn your expertise into profit? The future is bright for entrepreneurial independent prescribers.
References:
Written by: Ebun Lufadeju (MPharm) (PGCert IP)
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