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

Course details (degree level) 

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:

• 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)

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:

• 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

Delivery 1

6, 7 September, 4, 5 October, 1, 2 November, 6, 7 December 2021, 10, 11 January and 7, 8, 21, 22 February 2022

Delivery 2

13, 14 September, 11, 12 October, 8, 9 November, 13, 14 December 2021, 17, 18 January, 14, 15, 28 February and 1 March 2022

Delivery 3

7, 8 March, 4, 5 April, 9, 10 May, 6, 7 June, 4, 5, 25, 26 July and 15, 16 August 2022

Delivery 4

14, 15 March, 11, 12 April, 16, 17 May, 13, 14 June, 11, 12 July and 1, 2, 22, 23 August 2022

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 unlikely event that we are not back on the University for face-to-face teaching days in September, these sessions will predominantly be delivered as ‘live’ online 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.

What programmes can these modules count towards?

This module can be taken as a standalone professional development module in non-medical prescribing or can count towards the following programmes:

• 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 the MSc Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practitioner programme.

For further information please check with the Professional Development Unit or Richard Lowe if you would like to be directed to other healthcare professionals within the University for profession specific guidance.  

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."

Fees and funding

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.

Further information

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