Wed 22 July 2026
Building pharmacy’s future workforce: AdPha and NAPSA renew strategic partnership
Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) and the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association (NAPSA) have signed a new two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledging to expand initiatives supporting the next generation of pharmacists to advance and specialise through diverse career paths.
The renewed agreement builds on a long and successful relationship between the two organisations, strengthening their shared commitment to support pharmacy students as they enter the workforce, through pathways to Residency, careers symposia, mentoring opportunities, access to portfolio-based practice recognition through ANZCAP and connection between pharmacy schools and hospital departments through state and territory Branches.
AdPha President Assoc. Prof. Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) said the renewed MoU comes at an exciting time for students entering a rapidly evolving profession.
‘Pharmacy students today are preparing for a profession that looks vastly different to the one I entered many years ago.
‘It's not just expanded scope of practice. As medicines become increasingly complex, pharmacists have more opportunities than ever to develop advanced skills and pursue specialist areas of practice.
‘That's why partnerships like the one between AdPha and NAPSA are so important. Together, we're ensuring students have access to the guidance, connections and opportunities they'll need to confidently navigate their careers from the outset.’
Through complimentary AdPha membership, pharmacy students can access professional networks, career development opportunities and resources from the very beginning of their pharmacy journey. They can connect with peers and experienced pharmacists through AdPha Communities, where more students every year engage in conversations across more than 37 Specialty Practice Groups, exploring different clinical areas as they establish their practice.
Students can also build mentoring relationships through AdPha’s latest offering - AdPha Connect - helping them form meaningful one-on-one connections with pharmacists across Australia as they shape their career aspirations.
Students also benefit from early access to the Australian and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy (ANZCAP), allowing them to begin documenting their professional development and building their portfolio while still studying.
Assoc. Prof. Simpson says today’s pharmacy graduates have more career pathways available to them than ever before.
‘Careers evolve, interests change and new opportunities emerge. Hospital pharmacy doesn't have to be a destination for life, just as students planning a career in another setting may one day discover a passion for advanced or specialist practice.
‘We're incredibly proud of our longstanding relationship with NAPSA. Together, we're helping ensure Australia's future pharmacists are well supported, well connected and well prepared to make a meaningful difference wherever their careers lead.’
NAPSA President Mia Avram is equally proud of its strong partnership with AdPha.
‘As the peak representative body for pharmacy students, NAPSA is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive beyond graduation. Our longstanding partnership with AdPha provides invaluable access to mentorship, professional networks and career development that help students feel confident as they take their next steps.
‘We look forward to continuing this collaboration and supporting the next generation of pharmacists.’