Non-Medical Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Allied Health Professionals (HE6)

Program Overview

This specialized program in independent and supplementary prescribing is designed for allied health professionals (AHPs) to enhance their clinical practice by equipping them with the necessary communication, diagnostic, legal, and professional knowledge for safe and effective prescribing. Upon completing the program, AHPs are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Independent/Supplementary Prescribers, opening up new career opportunities and allowing them to offer advanced patient care.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course is a specialized professional development program in independent and supplementary prescribing designed for allied health professionals (AHPs). It aims to support AHPs in their clinical practice by educating them in prescribing practices that meet local or national guidelines.

• Enhance knowledge and experience, allowing AHPs to offer advanced patient care and become more competitive in the job market.

Description:

• Ideal for AHPs with at least three years of experience.
• Challenges students to apply planning, cooperation, critical analysis, and decision-making skills to their work, taking account of local or national guidelines.
• Covers a wide range of subjects, including clinical pharmacology, the psychology of prescribing, and professional accountability.
• Includes practice-based learning under the supervision of a mentor.
• Upon successful completion, students are eligible to register their qualification as an Independent/Supplementary Prescriber with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Provides 40 credits at Level HE6 that can be used towards a larger award in the University of Bolton's professional development framework.

Assessment:

• Students must demonstrate the ability to prescribe medicines safely and effectively for patients within the current legal, ethical, and professional frameworks relating to prescribing practice.
• Students must demonstrate competence in prescribing within the context of their clinical placement.
• Assessment methods include:
• Portfolio creation
• Reflective learning log relevant to prescribing practice in the student's clinical setting
• Written examinations
• Assessment of communication, consultation, and clinical decision-making skills in practice by the Designated Prescribing Practitioner

Teaching:

• Blended approach combining face-to-face and online activities, including:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Role-play
• Discussions
• E-learning via the virtual learning environment
• Classroom sessions focus on the theory of independent and supplementary prescribing.
• 12 days of hands-on experience are required to develop and demonstrate competence in prescribing within the student's area of clinical practice.
• Staff support and meetings with the tutor are provided at least twice each trimester.
• Students are primarily responsible for managing their learning and must commit to considerable independent study time.

Careers:

• Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to register as an Independent/Supplementary Prescriber with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• This qualification enhances career prospects and allows AHPs to offer advanced patient care.

Other:

• The course is known colloquially as V300, although this term is purely an NMC term.
• The course curriculum is reviewed regularly to incorporate contemporary theories and advancements.
• The course is designed to help students achieve their potential and encourages them to take charge of their development to advance their career in healthcare.
• Employers may provide financial support for the course, or students may be self-funded.
• The course is validated and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• The course involves regulated activity, so students must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting their studies.
• The course is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
• The university will use all reasonable endeavors to deliver the course as described in its published material and the program specification for the academic year in which the student begins their course.
• The university considers changes to courses very carefully and will minimize any changes.