New pharmacist accreditation puts the focus on natural medicines

Australasian College of Pharmacy and Metagenics partner on ‘Integrative Pharmacists’ training to support holistic approach to community care, amidst scope of practice focus.

Metagenics has proudly partnered with the Australasian College of Pharmacy (College) to further support pharmacists who are interested in becoming ‘Integrative Pharmacists’.

As leaders in Natural Medicine education for over 40 years, Metagenics and the College are offering registered pharmacists the opportunity to integrate quality, natural medicines into their community healthcare offering via a series of CPD-accredited training modules.

Completion of the six-module course will provide pharmacists with up to 17 CPD credits suitable for inclusion in their CPD plan, a certificate of completion for each module, as well as the ability to open an account and offer Metagenics products within their pharmacy clinic setting.

Melanie Hunt, College Chief Executive Officer said the additional education is essential for those pharmacists wanting to evolve their business and professional development, by providing an integrated approach to patient care.

“It’s an exciting and innovative time in the Australian primary healthcare system with community pharmacists able to provide more healthcare services to patients. We are proud to partner with Metagenics to ensure our communities have greater access to the care they need, when they need it,” she said.

With a growing industry worth $5.69 billion, Paula Hann, Metagenics Australia and New Zealand, Regional Vice President encourages pharmacists to consider the benefits of a fully integrated approach to patient care, both in terms of expanded patient care and meeting a growing consumer demand for complementary medicines.

“For many Australians, community pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals, and their expertise can be particularly valuable when educating patients on “whole of health” approaches to medicines and wellbeing,” she said.

“Spanning a range of treatments and practices including vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer demand for complementary and alternative medicines has risen dramatically in recent years, with many now using it in conjunction with their prescription-based medicines.

“Education and training are life’s great enablers, and as an industry leader and one of Australia’s largest providers of Natural Medicine education, we are really excited about this partnership and look forward to working with College and community pharmacists to help them reach their full scope of practice potential,” she concluded.

Metagenics is thrilled to support the College in offering these CPD-accredited training modules free of charge for a limited time. To register, simply visit the website: https://www.acp.edu.au/education/short-courses/integrative-pharmacist/.