Why do Pharmacy Undergraduates need to join the PDA

Pharmacy Undergraduates need an organisation to protect their reputation.

With the advent of the Code of Conduct for pharmacy undergraduates, the landscape has changed and students are subjected to a level of scrutiny that was only experienced by registered pharmacists previously.

There is no denying that the tentacles of the health care regulators has now reached deep into the university infrastructure. All healthcare learning institutions now have the responsibility thrust upon them to manage the discipline and conduct of students, and in the case of pharmacy, to a similar standard as that imposed on fully practicing registrants (pharmacists) by the General Pharmaceutical Council.

What is more, any brush with the law, any dishonesty, cheating, bullying behaviour, violent acts, recreational drug taking or drug abuse and unsuitable behaviour within or outside the university can leave a student vulnerable to sanctions and fighting for their professional life at an age or a stage when least able to cope with it. Employment problems can be reported to the School of Pharmacy or the regulator even when the work is unrelated to pharmacy.

This is when you need the PDA. We cannot always work miracles, but we can give you the best advice and get you a fair hearing. Early intervention by the PDA has repeatedly been proven to limit potential damage and rescue careers and livelihoods. What is more, we may be able, through our risk management advice programme, to prevent you from getting into a mess in the first place.

It will never happen to me we hear you say. Well we hope not, but one of the first risk management lessons we teach all pharmacists, preregistration graduates and Pharmacy Undergraduates is that the world is getting tougher so don't take any chances and make sure that you do not have to rely upon anyone else for your protection. Take out your own cover. It's a 'no brainer' when it's free for pharmacy undergraduates and pre registration students..

What you get for your Free membership?

Free insurance

To cover any legal bills should we need to provide lawyers or other professional representatives to defend you in a fitness to practice hearing.

To cover claims for compensation as a result of medical negligence (eg dispensing errors) and any liability exposure for damage to property and injury to individuals at work. This type of cover is not only useful for vacation work, but provides the level of cover that some employers insist on if they offer you work experience as part of your course.

Ready access to legal and pharmacist advisors

We have seen it all before, so you never need to feel alone and we can advise you on legal, professional and ethical matters.

Membership of the PDA Union

Most students need income and are employees in some capacity. We fight for your statutory rights and ensure that you are not unfairly treated in your employment. When appropriate we can provide representation for employment disputes that could threaten your professional career.

Access to PDA Plus

Our new membership benefits package which gives you access to discounts on many life style activities such as gym membership, dining out, holidays and shopping.

The PDA is the only defence association with no allegiance to or conflict with any employer or employer organisation. The only interests we serve are those of our members.

That is why students need to join the PDA.