NSW pharmacists who trained at the University of Newcastle or the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) are joining the growing number of community pharmacists in the state who can treat some common conditions without patients first needing to see a GP.
A new regulation came into force on Thursday, 5 November 2026. It recognises the graduate certificates of up to 250 more pharmacists, putting them on the same footing as colleagues who already hold a similar qualification from James Cook University. That should mean more people across New South Wales can get help for everyday health problems at their local chemist.
What can NSW pharmacists now treat?
Pharmacists with the recognised qualification can manage:
- starting oral contraception
- acute nausea and vomiting
- allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
- acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- mild, acute muscle and joint pain
- mild to moderate acne
When will they start?
Most of the pharmacists covered by the change are still finishing their courses, which are expected to wrap up later this year. Once they graduate, they can start using their expanded-scope training in the pharmacy.
The NSW Government says the change will make care for common conditions easier to get locally and free up GP appointments for the patients who need them most.
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General information only, not legal or medical advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: NSW Government. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
