Key features
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Physiotherapists
- Podiatrists
- Paramedics
- Therapeutic radiographers
- Pharmacists
- Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
- Approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council
NMP603 / NMP703
40
Level 6 - bachelors degree
Level 7 - masters degree
Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth
Course details (degree level)
- demonstrate understanding and clinical application of the holistic assessment and diagnostic processes which lead to a safe prescribing decision
- evaluate and implement pharmacological and non-pharmacological prescribing options within the context of patients’ individual needs
- provide information and work in partnership with patients and carers to advocate for fully informed treatment decisions
- initiate sound processes for ongoing monitoring and review which include integrated, multi-disciplinary working
- practice professionally within ones’ scope of practice with awareness of the wider legal and ethical influences involved
- recognise how to develop and improve prescribing practice whilst drawing upon an appropriate evidence base.
Course details (masters level)
- demonstrate critical understanding and clinical application of the holistic assessment and diagnostic processes which lead to a safe prescribing decision
- critically evaluate and implement pharmacological and non-pharmacological prescribing options within the context of patients’ individual needs
- provide information and work in partnership with patients and carers to advocate for fully informed treatment decisions
- initiate sound processes for ongoing monitoring and review which include integrated, multi-disciplinary working
- practice professionally within ones’ scope of practice with awareness of the wider legal and ethical influences involved
- recognise how to develop and improve prescribing practice which includes synthesis of research-based evidence and clinical governance resources.
Module dates
These dates are provisional and subject to change.
What programmes can these modules count towards?
- At degree level, as an optional module towards the
BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care course and a number of associated pathways. - At masters level, as a core module for Health Professionals undertaking the
PgDip Advanced Critical Care Practitioner programme. - At masters level, as an optional module towards a number of
MSc Advanced Professional Practice pathways . - At masters level, as a core module for the
MSc Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programme.
Application forms
Nurses and midwives
(NMC requirements)
- Entrants must be a registered nurse (level 1), a midwife or a SCPHN with NMC registration.
- Entrants must have been registered with the NMC for a minimum of 1 year prior to application for entry onto the programme.
- Entrants must possess the competence, experience and academic ability to study at the level required for that programme. This includes advance practice skills such as: clinical/health assessment, diagnostics/care management, planning and evaluation of care.
- Entrants are live on the NMC register, and therefore up-to-date with all revalidation requirements.
- The entrant / nominating organisation must have identified a named supervisor, in addition to a DPP. If for any reason this is not possible please speak to the module lead.
Physiotherapists, podiatrists and therapeutic radiographers
(HCPC / AHPH requirements)
- Entrants must be registered with the HCPC in one of the relevant Allied Health Professions.
- Entrants must normally have at least 3 years relevant post-qualification experience in the clinical area in which they will be prescribing.
- Entrants must be working at an advanced practitioner or equivalent level.
- Entrants can demonstrate how they reflect on their own performance and take responsibility for their own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including development of networks for support, reflection and learning.
Paramedics
- Entrants must have been qualified and registered for at least 5 years and normally have at least 3 years relevant post-qualification experience in the clinical area in which they will be prescribing.
- Entrants must have (or be working towards) an advanced practice qualification and have experience and evidence of competency in diagnostics, physical examination and decision-making skills relevant to their area of prescribing practice.
- Have evidence of post-registration study.
Pharmacists
- Entrants must be a registered pharmacist with the GPhC or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
- Entrants must have at least 2 years appropriate patient-orientated experience post registration, in a relevant UK practice setting.
- Entrants must have an identified area of clinical or therapeutic practice in which to develop independent prescribing practice. They must also have relevant clinical or therapeutic experience in that area, which is suitable to act as the foundation of their prescribing practice while training.
Get in touch with the team
Student feedback
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.
Positivity throughout the module was apparent from staff and students. It was extremely evident that the tutors had a wealth of knowledge about the subject and put it across in such a way that it was easy to understand.
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 assessment process and deadlines were clear from the start and I really appreciated the timeline given to achieve the goals needed. Extremely well organised from start to finish and it was clear that the numeracy section was challenging (percentages especially) but help was always available to discuss issues.
Good teachers, good atmosphere in class, interesting topics. Really enjoyed the whole learning experience.
I enjoyed the pharmacology lectures, starting at a basic level and working up slowly!
Antibiotic resistance lecture was fascinating. All lectures were interesting and presented well.
Interesting and useful module as it helped to broaden my understanding of the prescribing competencies. The module has helped me to acknowledge and appreciate other factors (e.g. pharmacological and ethical) which I would have to apply to my prescribing practice.
The academic team are very knowledgeable and are very forthcoming with sharing their knowledge and experiences. All are approachable and understanding of work commitments.
Further information
Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
Fees and funding
Please see our
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.