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How to Become an EPMA Pharmacist

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Introduction

The role of an EPMA (Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration) Pharmacist sits at the intersection of clinical pharmacy, digital transformation, and healthcare technology. EPMA pharmacists play a vital role in designing, implementing, and optimising electronic prescribing systems that improve patient safety, streamline workflows, and enhance medicines management across healthcare settings.

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This page explores the typical journey to becoming an EPMA Pharmacist, the skills required, and tips for those interested in entering this exciting and evolving field.

Working in Front of Multiple Screens

What Does an EPMA Pharmacist Do?

EPMA Pharmacists work as part of multidisciplinary digital teams to:

  • Develop, test, and deploy EPMA systems within hospitals and other care settings.

  • Support clinical users (nurses, doctors, pharmacists) with day-to-day EPMA queries.

  • Configure ordersets, clinical decision support, and administration workflows to meet local guidelines.

  • Participate in project management, system upgrades, go-lives, and training delivery.

  • Monitor system performance and user feedback to drive continuous improvement.

 

Some EPMA Pharmacists may also contribute to data reporting, governance, and integration projects, linking EPMA with other systems like EPR, pharmacy stock control, and business intelligence platforms.

Software Programmer

Skills & Experience Needed

To pursue a career as an EPMA Pharmacist, the following skills and experience are typically desirable:

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  • Clinical Pharmacy Background

Registration with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council).

Hospital or primary care experience in medicines optimisation and clinical decision-making.

  • Digital Literacy & IT Confidence

Comfortable using EPR and prescribing systems.

Familiarity with clinical software such as Altera SCM, Ascribe, Cerner, Epic, or System C.

  • Project & Change Management

Experience supporting or leading service improvements.

Ability to engage with stakeholders, deliver training, and manage change.

  • Analytical & Communication Skills

Able to interpret data, understand clinical workflows, and communicate effectively with technical and clinical teams.

Student in Library

Recommended Training & Development

While there’s no fixed qualification to become an EPMA Pharmacist, these routes can help:

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  • NHS Digital Academy or Health Informatics Courses

Short courses or certifications in health informatics, digital health, or data science.​

  • On-the-Job Experience

Apply for secondments or shadow EPMA teams in your organisation.

Support EPMA go-lives or upgrade projects to gain practical exposure.​

  • Postgraduate Study

Some universities offer MSc or PGCert programmes in Health Informatics, Clinical Pharmacy, or Digital Health.

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Career Progression

The EPMA Pharmacist role can lead to a range of career paths, including:

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  • Senior EPMA Pharmacist / EPMA Lead

  • Chief Pharmacy Informatics Officer (CPIO)

  • Clinical Informatics Specialist

  • Digital Transformation Lead

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Opportunities also exist to specialise further in data analytics, integration projects, or system design—making this a diverse and dynamic career path.

Nurse with Protective Mask

Summary

EPMA Pharmacists are at the heart of digital medicines optimisation. With a strong clinical foundation and a passion for improving systems, this role is ideal for pharmacists looking to innovate, lead change, and shape the future of safe, effective prescribing.

 

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