Certificate in Professional Studies in Non-Medical Prescribing  

Content:
The programme consists of two  Level 6 modules to include:

HS6021 Pharmacology for Prescribing considers the pharmacology component of the course and aims to ensure that students are able to understand and apply a comprehensive knowledge regarding drug actions to their clinical practice when working with patients who present with complex care needs.  

HSS6022 Prescribing Practice considers the variety and complexity of the prescribing process and will require students to think about all the influences that will impact on their prescribing practice when working within complex care environments.

HSS6022 will also cover the practice component of the course and will consist of the required 12 supervised practice days and academic support time.  The content of the supervised practice will be determined individually by the student and their Designated Medical Supervisor (DMP) so that it meets a student’s specific practice learning needs

Although each module is a discrete unit and is assessed separately, the programme is an integrated one which emphasises the application of theory to practice.

Structure and Timing:
The course usually runs twice a year starting in January and September. Timetabled sessions are scheduled for ten days at the Francis Close Hall Campus, Cheltenham. There is also a requirement to complete 12 days of supervised practice working with a medical supervisor. In addition to the timetabled programme you will be expected to engage in related independent study activities. Normally the programme will be completed in 6 months.

Teaching and Assessment:
Teaching methods are varied and include formal lectures,  on-line interactive learning forums,  reflection  and tutorials. Each module is assessed separately.

• Pharmacology for Prescribing  – pharmacology essay,  in class examination consisting of short answer numeracy questions and short  answer/multiple choice pharmacology questions.

• Prescribing Practice  - objective structured clinical observation , case study and portfolio.

Benefits: 
• Focuses on developing prescribing practice in the clinical setting
• Application to practice
• Completion of the two modules will give the students the University Certificate in Non Medical Prescribing, recordable with the NMC

Career paths:
Progression through the award should enable practitioners to link learning from the modules to their KSF and provide evidence of development.

Entry requirements:
• be a registered first level nurse, midwife and/or specialist community public health nurse,
• have at least three years experience as a practising nurse, midwife or specialist community public health nurse and at least the preceding year should have been spent working in the clinical field within which they wish to prescribe,
• be working for an organisation who has the necessary clinical governance infrastructure in place to enable the student to prescribe once they are qualified to do so.  This will include a Criminal Records Bureau checking process.
• be deemed competent by their employer (if applicable) to undertake the course, including competency in physical assessment and diagnostic skills within their area of practice,
• have the ability to study at Level 6,
• have written confirmation of support from their manager (if applicable),
• have written confirmation of support from an appropriate DMP who meets the eligibility criteria for medical supervision of nurse prescribers as stated in the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nurse and Midwife Prescribers – Annexe 3 (2006).
• Provide written confirmation from employer (if applicable) regarding the applicants ability
• to  undertake a history, clinical assessment and diagnosis
• a clinical need to justify prescribing
• sufficient knowledge to apply prescribing principles gained from the programme to their own area of practice
• demonstrate appropriate numeracy skills which will underpin those developed and assessed on the course.
 

Study Options/ Mode of Attendance:
Part-time

Location:
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham

Fees:
£1350

Associated Professional Accreditations:

The Nursing and Midwifery Council

Recent guest lecturers/speakers:
In addition to University staff, expertise is provided by other specialist contributors such as pharmacists and non-medical prescribers.