AdvCert

Non-Medical Prescribing

The Non-Medical Prescribing course is taught by an experienced multidisciplinary team. Nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and podiatrists benefit from learning together in a modern and well-equipped learning environment.

The course covers content as stipulated by each of the professional bodies (NMC, GPhC and HCPC) as follows:

Consultation, decision making, assessment and review of therapy, including non-drug treatment
Influences on and psychology of prescribing
Context of prescribing – team, supplementary, independent
Clinical pharmacology, including the effects of comorbidity
Pathophysiology, natural history and progression of defined conditions for which the professional may prescribe
Principles and methods of patient monitoring
Evidence based practice and clinical governance in relation to non-medical prescribing
Legal policy and ethical aspects in relation to non-medical prescribing, including unlicensed and off-license medicines, remote prescribing, botulinum toxin and related products
Professional accountability and responsibility in relation to non-medical prescribing
Prescribing in the public health context
Policy in Trust, local health economy and national contexts
Reflective approaches and continuing professional development

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Course overview

The Advanced Certificate Non-medical Prescribing enables nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists and podiatrists to prescribe (subject to annotation of the relevant professional register). It is aimed at practitioners who wish to enhance their clinical practice by prescribing as Independent Prescribers and/or as Supplementary Prescribers using Clinical Management Plans according to relevant professional standards as stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The generic nature of the course enables you to apply the theory directly to your own practice area or speciality.

On successful completion of the course and subsequent registration with the appropriate regulatory body:

Nurses and midwives will receive the V300 Independent and Supplementary Prescribing entry to the NMC register.
Pharmacists will receive a ‘Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing’ which can be used to have their entry in the GPhC register annotated.
Allied Health Professionals (physiotherapists, chiropodists/podiatrists, therapeutic radiographers) will receive a statement of competence to practice as an Independent and/or Supplementary Prescriber from the HCPC.
Allied Health Professionals (diagnostic radiographers, dieticians) will receive a statement of competence to practice as a Supplementary Prescriber from the HCPC.

All successful candidates will receive an Advanced Certificate Non-medical Prescribing.

This course is offered as a double module and attracts 40 credits at level 6 (NU3023) or 40 credits at level 7 (NU4023). Students may only undertake one of these modules.

The course is delivered four times a year, commencing September (Thursdays), January (Wednesdays NB not for pharmacists), February (Wednesdays and Fridays) and April (Thursdays and Fridays NB not for pharmacists).

The course comprises a combination of taught study days within the University and via directed study using the university’s resources, a Non-medical Prescribing Web Resource and the University’s online learning environment (Blackboard). It can be taken as a free-standing module or as part of MSc Advanced Practice.

The course prepares professionals to practise as Independent Prescribers and /or Supplementary Prescribers, according to relevant professional standards as stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Pharmaceutical Council and the Health and Care Professions Council.

Award: AdvCert, Post-Registration
Level: Short Course, CPD
Delivery: Mixed Mode
Study Mode: Part time
Duration: 6 months
Campus: Preston
Start Date: The next start date of this programme is to be confirmed shortly

Fees and funding

2023/24

Part-time£1,700 one-off fee

Additional costs

2024/25

Part-timeTo be confirmed one-off fee

Additional costs

Progression pathways

Learning environment

The course is designed for experienced practitioners and the use of student-centred teaching and learning strategies is central to the course design. The sessions are delivered by a very experienced multi-professional team via a range of approaches including: lectures, group discussions, case studies, seminars, tutorials, online Blackboard materials and an interactive elearning Web Resource. In addition, the opportunity afforded by shared multi-professional learning will enhance your educational experience.

Student support from module supervisors will be ongoing throughout the programme, which includes direct contact and via email and telephone.

Assessment of the course is in four parts, all of which must be passed in order to successfully complete the course. These are the production of a 4000 word portfolio of professional development in prescribing practice, written examination, Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and achievement of competence in practice. Students who undertake the level 7 module (NU4023) will also have a viva voce with the OSCE.

The teaching team is very experienced in delivering prescribing programmes, with team members having a wide range of relevant skills, experience and qualifications. Examples of teaching team members’ other relevant roles include clinical practice, prescribing, Chair of the North West Non-medical Prescribing Education Group, membership of prescribing forums, and external examiner posts on prescribing courses at other UK universities. The teaching team have well established links with Trust Non-medical Prescribing Leads throughout the region. All members of the teaching team are published authors. Many are actively involved in research related to prescribing or related topics.

As part of the course you will have the opportunity to hear about the experiences of service users, carers, patients and public members via our community engagement and service user support groups (Comensus).

Industry links

Enquiries and applications

NHS funding may be available. Please contact your Trust NMP Lead for further information.

Application for the course is made directly to the University following completion of the Non-medical Prescribing application form that can be obtained from: www.hecooperative.co.uk

All sections must be completed. Funded students may have an additional form to complete to request funding from their NMP Lead. Self-funded students may wish to discuss their application with the Course Leader, Ruth Broadhead (see contact details below).

Advanced Certificate Non-medical Prescribing
Mode of study: Part-time, Level 6 or 7

Students with disabilities/learning difficulties

The University is concerned to provide an educational experience of the highest quality for students with disabilities/learning difficulties. We strongly recommend you contact us before applying to find out if we can offer you the support you need. We are always pleased to hear from those enquiring about or applying to the University. Tel: 01772 892593 (telephone/text phone) for advice.

Our student selection process is underpinned by the National Values Based Recruitment strategy. The selection process has to provide evidence that the future students would aspire to a high standard of excellence in professionalism which is consistent with the NHS values i.e working together for patients, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives and everyone counts.

For further information on this course and to obtain an application form please email the CPD Team or call us on 01772 893836 / 01772 893839

Interested?

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This course is based in the School of Nursing and Midwifery

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page