Independent and supplementary non-medical prescribing
Designed to meet the needs and expectations of a diverse range of healthcare clinicians

This exciting, challenging and contemporary non-medical prescribing module is designed to meet needs and expectations of a diverse range of healthcare professionals:
This 40-credit module can be taken at either degree level or masters level, depending of your previous level of study and your regulatory body guidance.
The aim of this module is to advance the development of health care professionals, enabling the understanding of wider influences and principles of prescribing, in order to practice safely and effectively within their scope of professional practice.
You will enhance your understanding of the theoretical,
analytical and clinical principles of prescribing within a sound framework for
history taking, problem solving, accountability and the development of an
analytical evidenced based rationale for prescribing actions.
This module is taught over 26 days, within a six-month period. It utilises a blended learning pathway consisting of 10 face-to-face taught days and 16 self-directed days supported by a distance learning package. There is also one day of revision, one day of examination and a final day offering tutorials. An additional 90 hours in practice supported by a suitably qualified independent prescribing assessor, promotes and embeds knowledge within your own clinical setting.
Learning outcomes are mapped to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (2016) Competency Framework for all Prescribers.
Successful completion of this module will lead to annotation on the appropriate regulatory bodies’ register as an independent and supplementary prescriber.
Module code
Credits
FHEQ level
Location
This module will enable health care professionals to apply theoretical, analytical and clinical principles of prescribing within their field of practice.
At the end of the module you will be able to:
This module will enable health care professionals to apply theoretical, analytical and clinical principles of prescribing within their field of practice.
At the end of the module you will be able to:
12, 13 April, 10, 11 May, 7, 8 June, 12, 13, 26, 27 July and 23, 24 August 2021.*
*For nurses and midwives and pharmacists. Subject to approval for AHPs.
We intend to run another delivery of the programme / module, to commence in September 2021.
These dates are provisional and subject to change.
**COVID19 update**
Please keep these dates
free and inform your
employer that you need to be released from clinical practice on these days. In
the likely event that we are not back on the University for face-to-face
teaching days in April, these sessions will predominantly be delivered as
‘live’ teaching sessions, giving you the opportunity to interact and learn from
your lecturers and peers.
There is an optional study skills day, which is highly recommended for those who have not studied very recently. Further details will be sent once enrolment has been confirmed.
Occasionally delivery dates might be subject
to change – always check with the module lead or Professional Development
Unit.
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.
This module can be taken as a standalone professional development module in non-medical prescribing or can count towards the following programmes:
For further information please check with the Professional Development Unit or Beth Hawkes if you would like to be directed to other healthcare professionals within the University for profession specific guidance.
NMP application guidance
The entrant / nominating organisation must have identified a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP), which meet the criteria as specified by the Royal Pharmaceutical Societies (2019) Competency Framework for Designated Prescribing Practitioners. They must also understand the requirements of the NMP Programme and the regulatory body (NMC, HCPC or GPhC) with which their student is registered. Further information and training is available on the University POPPI page.
(NMC requirements)
(HCPC / AHPH requirements)
(HCPC / AHPH / CoP requirements)
Please also see: Independent and supplementary non-medical prescribing application guide.
(GPhC requirements)
"A great team of lecturers with a clear passion for teaching a difficult and sometimes complicated subject. Really felt supported and encouraged to learn. I have to say from a teaching point of view one of the best courses I’ve been on. Encouragement to apply theory to practice and understand why and what we do in practice."
"This has been a well-run, well organised course. It has had good content. I haven't actually used the library but the information given by the librarian initially was useful as I hadn't studied for a while."
"The support from Beth throughout the module has been great. Asking for continuous feedback, striving to improve the module all the time. I really do feel she listens to our views to make improvements for the future."
"Good teachers, good atmosphere in class, interesting topics. Really enjoyed the whole learning experience."
"I enjoyed the pharmacology lectures..starting at the basic level and working up slowly!"
"Learning about pharmacology, great for underpinning nursing practice."
"Antibiotic resistance lecture was fascinating. All lectures were interesting and presented well. Pharmacokinetics with Elaine was particularly interesting."
"The remaining academic team are very knowledgeable and are very forthcoming with sharing their knowledge and experiences. All are approachable and understanding of work commitments."
Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
Access to:
Visit our admissions homepage for full details.
"I am delighted to be the Non-Medical Prescribing (NMP) Lead. I am a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in both secondary and primary care. I am also proud to be an Independent and Supplementary Prescriber.
The knowledge and skills you obtain on this programme of study will be rewarded with a qualification which you can apply in practice every day. From personal experience, I can say that NMP greatly enhances the quality of patient care, and thus job satisfaction. It can also provide opportunities for career progression.
Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions - email me at beth.hawkes@plymouth.ac.uk. I look forward to hearing from you."
Fees
Please see our professional development module fees page.
Funding
Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. To apply please contact your Trust’s Educational Co-ordinator who will guide you through the application process.
If you work in the private, independent and voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.
For further information regarding these modules, please contact:
Professional Development Unit
Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
Prospective student enquiries: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1752 586951
Current student enquiries: pdu@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1752 586958