Non-Medical Prescribing (Level 7, 30 credits)

Program Overview

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Through a combination of remote lectures, self-directed study, and blended learning, participants gain the knowledge and skills to prescribe medications, enhance patient care, and advance their professional opportunities. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethical considerations, and reflective practice, preparing graduates to confidently manage patient medication needs in diverse healthcare settings.

Program Outline

It empowers them to prescribe medications for patients under their care, enhancing their professional opportunities and promoting holistic patient-centered care.

• Consultation, decision-making, and therapy: This focuses on the process of assessing patients, determining appropriate treatment options, and managing referrals effectively.
• Influences on and psychology of prescribing: This explores the various factors influencing prescribing decisions, including ethical considerations, patient preferences, and cultural influences.
• Clinical pharmacology: This covers the principles of pharmacology relevant to prescribing, including the effects of medications on the body, drug interactions, and potential side effects.
• Evidence-based practice and clinical governance: The program emphasizes making prescribing decisions based on the latest scientific evidence and within established clinical governance frameworks.
• Legal, policy, and ethical aspects of prescribing: The program covers the legal and ethical parameters surrounding medication prescribing, including controlled drugs regulations and professional accountability.
• Professional standards, accountability, and responsibility: Participants learn about their professional obligations as prescribers, maintaining high ethical standards, and taking full responsibility for their prescribing decisions.
• Prescribing in the public health context: This module explores the role of prescribing in promoting public health, including preventive measures and addressing public health concerns.
• Portfolio development: Participants compile a professional portfolio demonstrating their competency and adherence to standards in non-medical prescribing.

• Evaluate and challenge existing prescribing practices.
• Integrate evidence-based practice, equality & diversity, and clinical governance into their approach to prescribing.
• Enhance their knowledge of clinical pharmacology and drug interactions.
• Apply legal and ethical principles to their prescribing decisions.
• Develop the skills to monitor patient response to therapy and modify prescriptions as necessary.
• Demonstrate confidence and competence in prescribing responsibly.

• Becoming an independent prescriber significantly enhances career opportunities for healthcare professionals in various settings.
• The program emphasizes professional development, equipping graduates with the ability to critically evaluate current practices and remain updated on latest developments.
• The Level 7 program starts in January, March, April, June, or September and spans two semesters.
• It is delivered through a combination of remote lectures, self-directed study, and blended learning activities on an interactive website.
• Influences on and psychology of prescribing
• Prescribing in a team context
• Clinical pharmacology and effects of co-morbidities
• Evidence-based practice and clinical governance in prescribing
• Principles and methods for monitoring therapy response
• Legal, policy, and ethical considerations
• Professional standards and accountability
• Prescribing in public health contexts
• Portfolio development

• The program is delivered over two semesters, starting in January, March, April, June, or September.
• It utilizes a flexible combination of blended learning and self-directed study modules.
• The program leverages technology by offering remote lectures through an online platform for distant access.
• This interactive resource offers videoed prescribing scenarios, guided study materials, self-assessment tools, portfolio development guide, and links to relevant web-based resources.

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Assessment

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Theory Assessment (50%)

• Numeracy assessment
• Short-answer assessments

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Practice Assessment (50%)

• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Assessment of Clinical Prescribing Practice (ACPP)
• Portfolio demonstrating application of theory to practice through theoretical reflective account

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Teaching

• Interactive online lectures: Lectures are delivered remotely through an online platform accessible from any location, promoting flexibility for students who cannot attend physically.
• Self-directed study: This component allows individual learning and engagement with provided study materials and online resources, fostering independent development.
• Seminars: Group discussions offer interactive learning experiences and opportunities to engage with fellow students and instructors through active participation and knowledge exchange.
• Group work and tutorials: Collaborative activities allow shared learning, teamwork, and practical application of concepts through problem-solving and group project implementations.
• Directed learning: Instructors suggest specific resources and topics for students to explore on their own, facilitating individualized learning strategies and encouraging self-motivated knowledge acquisition.
• Case studies and clinical presentations: Real-world examples and scenarios are discussed in detail, promoting application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations and fostering critical thinking skills.
• Independent learning: Self-directed study is encouraged for exploring additional resources, engaging in scholarly research, and delving deeper into personal areas of interest related to the program curriculum.

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Careers

• Upon successful completion, graduates can pursue career opportunities as independent or supplementary prescribers within their respective healthcare professions.
The following are notable types of roles for graduating individuals, categorized by healthcare profession:

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Nurses

can specialize in areas like Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Nurse Consultant, Lead Nurse in Prescribing, Community Matron, or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

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Midwives

can focus on Independent Midwife, Midwife Consultant, Non-medical Prescribing Lead in Midwifery, or Advanced Practice Midwife roles.

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Podiatrists

can pursue independent practice as podiatric surgeons, specialist biomechanics assessment and prescription, as well as careers in community podiatry and private practice.

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Physiotherapists

can specialize in sports medicine, paediatrics, cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, and neurology. Opportunities also exist in community rehabilitation, occupational health, private practice, and research.

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Pharmacists

can expand their practice as advanced clinical pharmacists with greater responsibilities in areas like prescribing, patient management, and service development within hospitals or community pharmacies.

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Aesthetic nurses

can enhance their patient care by offering a wider range of treatments, utilizing prescribed medications in conjunction with advanced aesthetic injection techniques.

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Advanced paramedics

can build on their emergency care expertise by taking ownership of patient care management, including prescribing medications as needed.

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Dietitians

are not eligible for independent prescribing but, upon completing the program, become supplementary prescribers able to prescribe certain vitamins, mineral supplements, food-based products, and modified food products under the guidance of a qualified prescriber.

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Diagnostic Radiographers

follow a similar path as dietitians, becoming supplementary prescribers and extending their professional scope by prescribing specific imaging and injection agents under the supervision of qualified prescribers.

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Independent Prescribers in General:

In general, all Independent Prescribers, regardless of professional background, experience enhanced career prospects and increased job security due to their expanded scope of practice. They are more effectively able to manage patient care by addressing both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, contributing significantly to a team-based approach that benefits both patients and healthcare systems.

• The program actively incorporates student feedback throughout its delivery to optimize the learning experience and ensure it remains relevant and current.
• It acknowledges ethical considerations within healthcare, such as patient confidentiality and non-discrimination, embedding them within its teaching and assessment practices.
It supports professional development by facilitating sharing of best practices among participants.
• The University of Salford utilizes strong industry connections, collaborating with over 100 healthcare-focused organizations to maintain a curriculum aligned with evolving real-world practices.
Overall, the Single Module Non-Medical Prescribing Level 7 program at the University of Salford presents a comprehensive and insightful learning opportunity for healthcare professionals aiming to become independent or supplementary prescribers. It emphasizes holistic patient-centered care, equipping graduates with knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness to confidently manage patient medication needs in diverse healthcare settings.

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£1,520 for undergraduate students who are trust-funded £1,780 for UK students £1,820 for international students