Non-medical Prescribing and Enhanced Clinical Skills

Overview

This course offers registered nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals an opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and practice and become an independent non-medical prescriber.

Introduction

This part-time course with two 30-credit modules starting in September or January. The delivery is a blended learning approach including taught blocks and online study - for both, there is a requirement for learning to take place within your own area of clinical practice.

Course Details

Teaching

You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practice. Seminars are also used to enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. In addition, you have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor.

Independent Learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through directed and self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations.

Modules

• Developing Clinical Skills (illness)
  • Advancing practitioner roles
  • Planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care
  • Legal and ethical principles
  • Strategies for knowledge and skill acquisition
  • Local health issues
• Non-Medical Prescribing
  • Consultation, decision-making, and therapy, including referral
  • Influences on, and psychology of, prescribing
  • Prescribing in a team context
  • Clinical pharmacology, including the effects of co-morbidity
  • Evidence-based practice and clinical governance in relation to non-medical prescribing
  • Principles and methods of monitoring response to therapy
  • Legal, policy, and ethical aspects
  • Professional standards, accountability, and responsibility
  • Prescribing in the public health context
  • Portfolio development

Assessment

• Clinical Skills
  • Academic portfolio: 50%
  • Clinical skills portfolio/Log of skill activity: 50%
• Non-Medical Prescribing
  • Theory assessment: 50%
    • Numeracy assessment
    • Short answer
  • Practice assessment: 50%
    • Objective structured clinical examination
    • Assessment of Clinical Prescribing Practice
    • Portfolio demonstrating the application of theory to practice through the use of a theoretical reflective account

Feedback

You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader.

Employment and Stats

What about after uni?

You may choose to pursue further study or use your enhanced clinical skills and non-medical prescribing qualification to progress in your chosen profession.

Career Links

We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. The successful completion of this programme enhances career opportunities for prescribing practice within all care sectors as it responds to an increased need for workforce development within the NHS.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

• The General Entry Academic Requirements are as per the university’s Admissions and Retention Policy detail for Postgraduate Taught Programmes.
• Nurses and Allied Health Professionals applying to this module should have three years post-registration experience. Pharmacists require two years of post-registration experience.
• Identification of a DMP (Designated Medical Practitioner) This must be a doctor who meets the criteria to supervise a trainee NMP and has agreed to undertake the role.

For Your Work-Based Placements

• For Non-Medical Prescribing, you will need to identify a DMP (Designated Medical Practitioner). For nurses, this can be either a doctor or a suitably experienced qualified prescriber acting as a practice assessor.
• A practice-based supervisor and assessor to facilitate the development of clinical skills.

Fees

• Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,470 per 30 credit module
• Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,540 per 30 credit module

Enrolment Dates

• September 2025
• January 2026
• September 2026

Related Courses

• MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advanced Clinical Practice
• Level 6 Non-Medical Prescribing (40 credits)
• Level 7 Non-Medical Prescribing (30 credits)

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Degree Overview:

For both modules, there is a requirement for learning to take place within your own area of clinical practice.

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The program aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

• Prescribe safely, appropriately, and cost-effectively as either a supplementary and/ or an independent prescriber.
• Develop skills to enhance patient care and access to treatment.
• Build the confidence to critically evaluate and challenge prescribing practice with reference to evidence-based practice, equality and diversity and clinical governance.
• Create and implement innovative approaches to care delivering that meets the needs of your client group.

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Assessment:

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The program uses a variety of assessment methods including:

• Written examinations
• Essays
• Portfolios
• Presentations

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The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

• Clinical skills: 100%
• Academic portfolio 50%
• Clinical skills portfolio/Log of skill activity 50%
• Non-Medical Prescribing: 50%
• Theory assessment 50% (Numeracy assessment and Short answer)
• Practice assessment 50% (Objective structured clinical examination and Assessment of Clinical Prescribing Practice and Portfolio)

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Teaching:

You will also be required to undertake learning within your own area of clinical practice.

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The program uses a variety of teaching methods including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Independent learning
• Online learning
• Clinical placements

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The program also provides access to a range of resources to support your learning, including:

• The library
• The learning zone
• Computer learning zones

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Careers:

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The program prepares you for a variety of career paths including:

• Independent prescriber
• Supplementary prescriber
• Clinical nurse specialist
• Advanced practitioner
• Lecturer/trainer in prescribing
• Researcher

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Other:

University of Salford: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:

Accommodation:

The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.

Sports Centre:

Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.

Clubs and Societies:

Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.

Library:

The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Cafe and Dining:

The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Practical Learning:

The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.

Industry Connections:

The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Location:

The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.

Modern Facilities:

The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.

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Other:

The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.