Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals

This module is for healthcare professionals. It will develop the skills you need to become a prescriber in your chosen area of practice, and gain a recordable entry on your professional register.

Taught by an expert, supportive and multi-professional team including practicing prescribers, this module is designed for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals, who are required to prescribe a wide range of medicines from the British National Formulary (BNF), including controlled drugs, ‘off-label’ and unlicensed medication.

Course overview

The requirements and outcomes of the module are derived from prescribing standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The module is underpinned by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society competency framework for prescribers.

The module can be undertaken either as a stand-alone module or as one of several modules within the MSc Person-Centred Practice Framework. You can choose to study at either SCQF Level 10 or 11, and the module carries 40 credits.

Exit awards

On completion, you can register on your professional register as a prescriber.

Structure

This is a single module.

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will participate in a range of teaching and learning experiences both at university and in your workplace. You will be taught by specialist teachers from practice.

In keeping with the Person-centred Practice Framework philosophy, you are encouraged to participate actively and take responsibility for your own learning. Throughout the module your learning will be supported by our Virtual Learning Environment and our Learning Resource Centre where you can access a wide range of on-line learning materials, books and journals.

Teaching hours and attendance

The module runs for 26 weeks, including 90 hours spent learning in practice in your own workplace. Teaching days fall mainly in the first third of the module with live teaching sessions on a Tuesday, but you will engage with QMU throughout the duration of the module.

Careers

You will already be working as a healthcare professional and this module will serve as part of your CPD and enable you to prescribe medication to patients.

Start dates

This module has three start dates each year: September, January and May.

Entry requirements

You must:

be a registered healthcare professional have a minimum of one years post-registration experience in the area of specialty in which you will be a prescriber.
have evidence of degree level study. This may be evidenced through recognition of prior learning (RPL).
be proficient in appropriate clinical/health assessment, diagnostics/care management and the planning and evaluation of care in relation to your role.
have agreed the suitability of a prescribing qualification within your area of practice and have the support from your line manager and regional Prescribing Lead. Prior to applying, please contact your Prescribing Lead as support for your application will be required.
agree with your line manager that you will be supported with this programme with class attendance, practice learning time and your role.
have identified a Designated Prescribing Practitioner, who will help you to develop safe and effective prescribing practice. For NMC registrants, you must also have identified a named Practice Supervisor. Further information is available from your organisational Prescribing Lead or the QMU Programme Lead.
have professional indemnity in place and come from an area with a practice placement audit in place or be willing to complete one prior to gaining a place.
For practitioners working as self-employed/within the independent sector, please contact the Programme Leader prior to application.

More information and contacts

For further information or advice on application, please contact the Programme Leader, Dr Alison Wood or Associate Programme Lead, Dr Alison Coull or Admissions.