Program Overview

University Award - Independent/Supplementary Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives (V300) - Level 6

Course Overview

The overall aim of the programme is to provide a learning environment that supports registered nurses and midwives to develop as competent prescribers who are then eligible to apply for annotation on the register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Nurse or Midwife Prescriber Independent/Supplementary prescriber (V300).

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the programme are designed to support the achievement of all competencies set out in the RPS (2016) A competency framework for all prescribers. The learning outcomes and competencies can be applied to the four identified fields of nursing practice (adult, mental health, learning disabilities and children’s nursing) as well as to specialist community public health nursing.

Teaching and Assessment

We seek to create a stimulating and innovative community of learning, whether encountered on campus or at a distance, or in the learning environment of your clinical practice. The programme is undertaken alongside pharmacists and allied health professionals also seeking to prescribe in accordance with the legal permissions afforded to them.

• Formative assessment is an important feature within the programme and provides specific opportunities for tutors to support your successful achievement of the programme Learning Outcomes by providing individualised and meaningful feedback to inform your ‘next steps’ in the development of your academic work and encourage the existing strengths in your work.
• Summative assessments for this programme are:
  • A practical skills assessment which involves the completion of a record of learning and the demonstration of the competencies identified for all prescribers (RPS, 2016).
  • A viva voce and practical examination undertaken in the University.
  • A pharmacology exam.
  • A numeracy assessment undertaken by exam.
  • Completion of a written assessment which requires the demonstration of knowledge and understanding applied to the practice area in identified programme Learning Outcomes.

Entry Requirements

All entry criteria must be met in full prior to programme commencement. Entry requirements include:

• Submission of a fully completed application form.
• Current registration as a nurse (level 1) or midwife.
• Registration with the NMC for a minimum of one year prior to application for entry to the programme.
• Evidence of a satisfactory enhanced disclosure clearance (DBS) within three years of the programme start date.
• The academic ability to study at the level required for the programme.
• The ability to practise safely and effectively at a level of proficiency appropriate to the programme and their intended area of prescribing practice in the following areas: clinical/health assessment, diagnostics/care management, planning and evaluation of care.
• Identification of a Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor who meet the criteria for eligibility to undertake these roles.
• That appropriate clinical governance arrangements are in place for practice as a Nurse or Midwife Independent/Supplementary Prescriber (V300).

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Key Details

• Tuition fees: To be confirmed.
• Minimum entry requirements: Recruiting to UK / RoI / Settled in UK.
• Course Location: Online.
• Institute: Institute of Health.
• Delivery Style: Online.
• Course Duration: Part-time, 16-24 weeks.
• Course Start Point: January, September.
• Award: University Award.