Non-Medical Prescribing Programme

Program Overview

The University of Northampton offers a comprehensive non-medical prescribing program designed for nurse/midwife practitioners and allied health professionals seeking to expand their scope of practice. Through a combination of theory and practical application, the program equips learners with the skills necessary to safely prescribe within their respective fields. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for registration as Independent & Supplementary Prescribers with the NMC and HCPC, opening up new career opportunities in advanced clinical practice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The University of Northampton offers a 40-credit non-medical prescribing course designed to empower autonomous nurse/midwife practitioners and AHPs to confidently prescribe within their scope of practice. Upon successful completion, practitioners will earn academic accreditation and acquire the advanced skills necessary for safe prescribing, aligning with current professional regulations. This qualification makes them eligible to register as Independent & Supplementary Prescribers with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the HCPC. This professional qualification (V300 prescribing course) can be pursued as a standalone module or as part of a broader package of modules leading to an MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or MSc Advancing Practice.

Outline:

Course Content:

The non-medical prescribing course equips students with the skills needed to conduct comprehensive and safe consultations, bridging theory and practical application of knowledge to prescribing practice.

• Differential Diagnoses: The course covers differential diagnoses, diagnostic tools used in practice, and the safety netting of all prescribing decisions.
• Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making: Theories and methods underpinning clinical reasoning and decision-making in healthcare are explored, along with advanced communication strategies, legal and ethical issues of advanced assessment, and evidence-based practice.

Teaching Approach:

The course employs a varied, active-blended learning approach, incorporating:

• Lectures: Formal presentations of key concepts.
• Interactive Group Work: Collaborative learning activities to foster discussion and problem-solving.
• Online Learning Activities: Engaging digital resources and exercises.
• Online Activity Days: Dedicated time for online learning activities.
• NUR3015P Nurse Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (NISP) (NMC V300) Programme Level 6: This module is designed for NMC registered professionals.

Assessment:

The assessment strategies in this non-medical prescribing program provide students with the opportunity to critically reflect, evaluate, and synthesize their learning, development, and practice in relation to prescribing. Assessment methods include:

• Portfolio of Evidence: A purposeful compilation of a student's evidence and achievement in relation to prescribing within their area of practice.
Completion of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2022) Competency Framework demonstrates practical application of the core competencies associated with Prescribing Practice. This is verified and signed off by the Practice Assessor, Practice Supervisors, and the Academic Assessor (NMC) or a Designated Medical Practitioner for the HCPC module.
• Exam: An assessment under examination conditions to assess numerical skills and their application to Prescribing Practice.

Teaching:

• Faculty: The program is led by experienced faculty members, including Senior Lecturer Julie Holloway (NMC registered professionals) and Senior Lecturer Krishna Gohil (HCPC registered professionals).
• Teaching Approach: The course utilizes an active-blended learning approach, combining face-to-face sessions with online learning activities.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to register as Independent & Supplementary Prescribers with the NMC and HCPC, opening doors to a wider range of prescribing roles within their respective professions.
• Opportunities: The qualification enhances career prospects and allows practitioners to expand their scope of practice, potentially leading to leadership positions and advanced clinical roles.

Other:

• Employer Support: Applicants must have employer support and protected learning time to participate in the program.
• Enhanced DBS Check: Applicants must have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check undertaken.
• Professional Standing: Students who do not have a relevant Bachelor's degree must satisfy the University that they are fit to register for and benefit from the program based on their professional standing, qualifications, and/or training.
• Special Admission: The University offers special admission for applicants who may not meet the general entry requirements, following the Special Admissions Policy.