AdvDip(CPD) Non-Medical Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Allied Health Care Professionals

Program Overview

This course equips allied health professionals with the skills and knowledge to become independent and supplementary prescribers. It includes blended learning, hands-on experience, and assessments designed to ensure safe and effective prescribing practices. Upon completion, students are eligible to register as an Independent/Supplementary Prescriber with the Health and Care Professions Council, enhancing their career prospects and allowing them to offer advanced patient care.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course is designed to support the progress of allied health professionals (AHPs) in clinical practice by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become independent and supplementary prescribers. It aims to educate students in prescribing practices that meet local or national guidelines. The program is ideal for AHPs with at least three years of experience and will challenge them to apply planning, cooperation, critical analysis, and decision-making skills to their work.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the communication skills, diagnostic abilities, and legal and professional understanding necessary for safe, appropriate, and cost-effective prescribing.
• Enable students to offer advanced patient care and become more competitive in the jobs market.
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills to register as an Independent/Supplementary Prescriber with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Assessment:

• Students will need to demonstrate that they can prescribe medicines safely and effectively for patients within the current legal, ethical, and professional frameworks relating to prescribing practice.
• Students will also need to demonstrate that they are competent to prescribe within the context of their clinical placement.
• Assessment methods include:
• Portfolio creation
• Reflective learning log
• Written examinations
• Designated Prescribing Practitioner assessment of communication, consultation, and clinical decision-making skills in practice.

Teaching:

• The course uses a blended approach, offering a combination of face-to-face and online activities, including lectures, workshops, tutorials, role-play, discussions, and e-learning via the virtual learning environment.
• Classroom sessions focus mainly on studying the theory of independent and supplementary prescribing.
• Students are expected to complete 12 days of hands-on experience to develop and demonstrate competence in prescribing within their area of clinical practice.
• Students have access to staff support and meetings with their tutor 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 will be eligible to register as an Independent/Supplementary Prescriber with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• This qualification will enhance career prospects and allow students 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 ensure it incorporates 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 students to undertake this course, or students may be self-funded.
• The University of Bolton will award an Advanced Diploma of CPD in Non-Medical Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Allied Health Care Professionals worth 40 credits at Level HE7 upon successful completion of the course.
• 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.

Overseas students starting this course in the first year will be required to pay a Overseas fee of £1,600 for the academic year 2024/25.