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

Application Form

Please download and fill out the

Independent Supplementary Prescribing Application Form

Please use the above application form, we no longer accept the October 2021 version.

This is an exciting programme of study which, on successful completion, allows physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers to seek to have their qualification annotated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to practice as an Independent Prescriber.

Prescribing by physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers has evolved to offer better access to medicines and to optimise the skills and expertise of allied health professionals in the provision of care. Where appropriate, physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers are able to complete episodes of care, whilst also enhancing their role within the team.

Patients evaluate their experience of non-medical prescribing positively.

Students frequently report that the course is probably the most challenging they have undertaken since their pre-registration programme, but also the most rewarding. Students report positively on the organisation of the course and on the support provided for their preparation as prescribers. The programme delivery is designed to provide opportunities for you students to receive feedback to support the development of their knowledge, understanding and prescribing practice throughout the programme. We consider all student feedback and work with this to enhance the student experience and outcomes.

We meet regularly with non-medical prescribing leads and mentors to ensure that the programme maintains its relevance to the constantly evolving environment of healthcare. The programme team includes academic staff who continue to work in practice.

Further information and examples of nurse independent prescribing roles can be found using the link to the Non-Medical Prescribing Guide: a quick guide for commissioners (National Prescribing Centre, 2010).

Graduate destinations

Non-medical prescribing is offered as stand-alone provision, but can also contribute to a postgraduate award.

For example, you could transfer the credits into a top-up degree in Practice Development for a Postgraduate Certificate Practice Development or transfer the credits into a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Practice Development.

Course summary

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

Modules

Programme Specification

Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods

Timetables

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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 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.

Selection criteria

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.

Application Form

Please download and fill out the

Independent Supplementary Prescribing Application Form

The application process may take some time to complete as it requires the applicant's line manager, Designated Medical Practitioner mentor and their employing organisation's Non-Medical Prescribing Lead to confirm their support via the Application Form designed for this process.

Applicants will need to confirm by whom the programme fees will be paid.

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet all entry criteria prior to programme commencement. Early application enables us to identify entry criteria which have not been met and to advise applicants so that, where possible, delays to the start of the chosen programme can be avoided.

In addition, early application should be made so that students and their clinical practice managers and mentors can commit to full support of the practice and theoretical learning time identified by the professional regulatory bodies as necessary to the preparation for a non-medical prescribing role.

Demand for places on these courses is currently high and all applications are subject to the availability of course places.

To avoid delays to the start of your chosen programme, we advise that completed applications are submitted at least eight weeks before the start of programme, and identify a final closing date four weeks before the start of the programme.

Please email the completed application form to pgadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk

If you require any further details or guidance with your application, please contact our course enquiry centre:

Email: enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk
Telephone: 0845 606 1144

Location
Duration	Part-time, 18-24 weeks
Start date	January and September

University AwardIndependent / Supplementary Prescribing for Allied Health Professionals Level 7

Application Form

Graduate destinations

Course outline

Course summary

Modules

Module Dates

Programme Specification

Programme Specification

Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods

Timetables

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Selection criteria

Application information

Application Form

Student finance

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