Non Medical Prescribing

Undergraduate (also available at postgraduate level)

An inter-professional programme, developed and delivered at the University of Chester.  This programme is delivered at the following sites on a rotational basis: Riverside Campus (Chester), Leighton (Crewe), Warrington Campus and Wirral (Clatterbridge).

Course Undergraduate (also available at postgraduate level)
Length 6 months full time blended learning approach
Start date March 2012

The course structure employs an interactive DVD of learning materials and targeted contact days within the University, building a blended learning approach, aiding flexibility of study for the student population, and helping service release.

Why study this programme?

  • To prepare allied health professionals to practise as supplementary prescribers and to meet the standards set by the Health Professions Council
  • To prepare pharmacists to practise as independent prescribers and meet the standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
  • To prepare nurses and midwives to practise as supplementary and independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Next: Modules

Programme Structure

Please click here if interested in this programme at level 7 (postgraduate)

Level 6 (Undergraduate Degree Level)

  • The 45 credit programme consists of three 15 credit modules
  • The modules employ shared learning by nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals
  • All three modules must be taken contemporaneously and successfully completed in order to register as a non-medical prescriber

There is no University academic award associated with this programme: however, the professional bodies award their own certificate of non-medical prescribing as appropriate. A blended approach to learning has been developed to support all modules, to include supporting materials located on the University intranet. 

Next: Assessment

Please click here if interested in this programme at level 7 (postgraduate)

Level 6 (Undergraduate Degree Level)

  • assessment consists of a 3,000 word reflective portfolio with 13 specific learning outcomes
  • an examination to assess pharmacological knowledge and drug calculation skills
  • evaluation of competence in practice with a designated medical prescriber
  • and an OSCE assessing communication and consultation skills
Next: Careers

All students are nominated onto the programme and as such have a clearly defined prescribing role on qualifying. 

Qualified non medical prescribers are competent to the standards laid down by their own professional bodies and the National Prescribing Centre competencies. 

Non medical prescribers need to be able to safely assess, diagnose, treat and review all patients within their scope of professional practice. 

They require the ability to maintain adequate records and work within a team. They are required to critique clinical and pharmacological evidence to ensure best practice.

Next: Entry requirements

All entrants to the programme must be nominated onto the programme and meet the following requirements:

  • Be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC) or the Health Professions Council
  • Be professionally practising in an environment where there is an identified need for the individual to regularly use supplementary and/or independent prescribing
  • Be able to demonstrate support from their employer/sponsor, including confirmation that the entrant will have appropriate supervised practice in the clinical area in which they are expected to prescribe from an approved designated medical supervisor, including supervision, support and assessment
  • Have at least three years' relevant post-qualification experience
  • Possess an ability to study at a minimum of academic Level 6 (undergraduate degree)
  • Have up-to-date clinical, pharmacological and pharmaceutical knowledge relevant to their intended area of prescribing practice
  • Have an ability to reflect on their own performance and take responsibility for their own continuing professional development
Beginning: Overview

Who to contact

  • For admission enquiries

    Health and Social Care Admissions
    T:
    01244 511000 - Please ask for Health & Social Care Admissions
    F:
    01244 511302
    hscadmissions@chester.ac.uk

  • For enquiries about course content

    Dr Deborah Robertson, Programme Leader
    T:
    01244 51 3215
    d.robertson@chester.ac.uk

  • Faculty of Health and Social Care, General Enquiries
    T:
    01244 511000
    F:
    01244 511270
    enquiries@chester.ac.uk