Independent and supplementary non-medical prescribing (NMP603 / NMP703)

Key features

This exciting, challenging and contemporary non-medical prescribing module is designed to meet needs and expectations of a diverse range of healthcare professionals:

• Nurses
• Midwives
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Paramedics
• Therapeutic radiographers
• Pharmacists

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.

• Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council
• Approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Programme specification

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

(HCPC / AHPH / CoP requirements)

• 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.

Please also see: Independent and supplementary non-medical prescribing application guide. 

Pharmacists

(GPhC requirements) 

• 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.

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."