University Award - Independent Supplementary Prescribing for Allied Health Professionals Level 7

The programme is a multi-professional, part-time course which will prepare physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers for a role as an Independent Prescriber. Successful completion of the programme allows students to seek to have their qualification recorded by their professional body, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:

• consult effectively with patients and carers, assessing their need for medicines, taking account of their wishes and demonstrating understanding of the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms of the presenting complaint, and conduct a relevant physical examination, recognise and manage clinical complexity
• demonstrate clarity of reasoning in relation to the relevance of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and apply the knowledge to your own prescribing practice whilst recognising and evaluating the relationship between pharmacology and prescribing practice at individual, local and national levels
• demonstrate a critical awareness of legal, ethical and professional frameworks including the responsibility that your role as an independent/supplementary prescriber entails, and demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility for working within the scope of your professional competence, articulate and demonstrate how you will prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively
• synthesise sources of information, advice and support, taking into account evidence-based practice, national/ local guidelines and the roles of others who are involved in prescribing practice and demonstrate their application to prescribing practice
• critically evaluate factors which impact on prescribing at individual, local and national levels and in a public health context and which necessitate therapeutic monitoring, modification and practice-based change
• demonstrate knowledge and clarity of reasoning in the ability to refer/ consult with other appropriate health care professionals in a timely manner, developing an effective relationship and communication channels with patients/carers, other prescribers and members of the health care team to work within a prescribing partnership, critically reflect on the clinical governance frameworks that include audit and prescribing practice and development

Please see the Programme specification

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

• submission of a fully completed application form;
• current professional registration as an allied health professional - this will be checked on receipt of the application form;
• registration with the HCPC for a minimum of three years prior to application for entry to the programme;
• evidence of a satisfactory enhanced disclosure clearance (DBS) within three years of the programme start date. Responsibility for application to the DBS rests with the programme applicant and is applied for by his/her employer;
• 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 Educator who meets the criteria for eligibility to undertake these roles;
• that appropriate clinical governance arrangements are in place for practice as a Paramedic, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist or Therapeutic Radiographer
• Please see the application form for further detail.

All entry criteria must be met in full prior to programme commencement:

• evidence of prior successful study at level 6 and within 6 years of the course start date
• a fully-completed application form confirming:
• at least two years' clinical experience in the area in which prescribing will take place
• identification of the need to prescribe by the line manager, and access to a prescribing budget on successful completion of the course
• a Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) who will act as mentor
• the DMP mentor must meet the standards required by the Department of Health
• clinical governance arrangements agreed by the Non-Medical Prescribing Lead
• (for applicants within Cumbria and Lancashire, evidence of attainment of a minimum mark of 80% in the pre-course numeracy assessment
• a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check obtained by the applicant’s employer, and issued within three years of the course start date

The application form provides further detail regarding essential criteria.