The goal of non-medical prescribing is to enable swifter and speedier access to medicines for patients/clients and carers, an activity requiring health professionals to expand their skills and knowledge in developing their role proficiently and effectively and in line with their Professional Code of Conduct/Ethics.
The programme prepares students to undertake the dynamic role of a prescriber to meet the needs of clients/patients and carers with whom they work. It is seen as the vehicle by which professional knowledge, skills, analysis and theoretical frameworks of prescribing can be examined and synthesized. Students are required to reflect systematically on their learning using a reflective learning journal to evaluate and apply knowledge and skills to achieve the assessments of the programme. Key aspects of the programme are the practice assessment and standards of proficiency documentation, the personal development plan and the reflective learning journal.
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Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) rating
The credit accumulation and transfer scheme is a system in which you can accumulate the credits and build them towards recognised awards, if you so wish. On successful completion of this course the University will award 30 CAT points
Course Details
Prescribing is offered at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level study. For those students who are undertaking the course to enhance their clinical role, the Level 6 Non-medical Prescribing for Health Care Professionals programme will be sufficient. However for students who already have a first degree and wish to progress with their study they may wish to undertake the Principles of Prescribing for Health Care Professionals Level 7 course.
Each course consists of two pathways;
- Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives (Level 6 or 7)
- Supplementary Prescribing for Allied Health Professionals (Level 6 or 7).
The modules are delivered together and students enrol on the module that is relevant to their profession and clinical background.
The courses meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Health Professions Council. Upon successful completion the University will award 30 credits at the relevant academic level.
Successful completion of either of the courses enable students to undertake the dynamic role of a prescriber to meet the needs of clients/patients and carers with whom they work.
Nurses and midwives will be able to apply to record the qualification of Independent and Supplementary Prescribing with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Allied Health Professionals will be able apply to have their qualification of Supplementary Prescribing annotated onto the Health Professional Council register.
All registrants must record their prescribing qualification with their professional bodies within twelve months of successfully completing the approved programme.
NB. Prior to your results being uploaded to the NMC or HPC you will be required to sign a self declaration stating that there have been no changes since enrolment onto the programme.
Attendance
The Programme consists of a double module at Level 6 (30 credits). Students undertaking the full time programme attend University two days a week over a period of 4 months. Students who undertake the part time programme will attend University one day a week over a period of 7 months.
- Full time = 38 days over 4 months includes 12 days educationally led practice.
- Part-time = 38 days over 7 months includes 12 days educationally led practice.
Assessment Methods
The assessment strategy comprises:
1. Invigilated examination consisting of:
Part A - Short answer and multiple-choice questions (pass mark 80 per cent)
Part B - Drug calculation scenarios and multiple-choice questions (pass mark 100 per cent)
2. Observed Structured Clinical Examination
3. Completion of educationally-led education practice which includes:
• The successful achievement of 22 Standards of Proficiency
• Completion of a Journal of Reflection
• Completion of 12 days (78 hours equivalent) educationally-led practice
In addition students undertaking the course at academic Level 7:
A presentation focused on the pharmacology and physiology of a drug/group of drugs the student will potentially prescribe.
Entry Requirements
The safety of patients/clients is paramount and the entry requirements focus on protection of patients/clients including:
- The legal requirement to be registered to practice as a non medical prescriber
- The service need to protect patients
- Demonstrating and maintaining proficiency and competence in a clinical specialty adhering to Codes of conduct/ethics in a clinical area of prescribing
- Responsibility of services to identify
- a) Where this development needs to occur
- b) Those potential prescribers are in roles, which require such development
All applicants prior to gaining entry to the programme must complete a University application form and demonstrate documented evidence that you have the ability to study at minimum academic level 6 (Degree). The evidence may be through HEI credits awarded or a portfolio
You must also complete a programme specific application form, which must be signed by your manager verifying that you meet the following entry criteria:
- a) You have reliable numerical ability to undertake the programme
- b) You have appropriate background knowledge and experience to enter the programme
- c) You have agreement from your manager in the organisation that you are able to prescribe in practice upon completion of the programme.
- d) You are agreeing to attend and complete the programme
- e) You have a satisfactory Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check ( within last three years)
- f) You have signed agreement from an appropriate doctor who has agreed to be your Designated Medical Supervisor. The DMS must have; experience in a relevant field of practice, training and experience of support, supervision and assessment of trainees and be able to provide these skills for you during the educationally led practice part of the programme.
- g) You have prescribing mentor who is a practising non medical prescriber who has agreed to provide support and ensure that learning is applied to your area of practice.
Application Details
Please visit our Applying to a CPD Course pages.