Entry requirementsEntry is subject to the following requirements: * Registration with the appropriate professional body: Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) or Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for pharmacists; Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for nurses; or Health Professions Council (HPC) for Allied Health Professionals. * A first degree or equivalent, or at least five years working experience in health care * Two years (pharmacists) / three years (nurses and allied health professionals) post-registration clinical experience * Support from the sponsoring organisation confirming service need and access to appropriate supervised practice, and a prescribing budget to meet the costs of prescriptions on completion of training * A named designated medical practitioner who will facilitate, supervise and support the student during their clinical placement
Academic titleSupplementary Prescribing, PGCert
Course descriptionLegislative changes which began in 1998 have meant that nurses and pharmacists are now able to qualify as fully independent prescribers. In addition radiographers, physiotherapists, podiatrists and optometrists are able to qualify as supplementary prescribers.
These 8 month, part-time, distance learning programmes enable these health care professionals to develop the knowledge and skills to practice as prescribers and to meet the standards set by the respective professional/regulatory body as required within the legislative framework
The programmes are delivered by flexible learning plus a total of five compulsory study days at the university where there will be shared learning, plus 12 days of supervised learning in practice.
Courses
* Non-Medical Prescribing in Context
* Safe and Effective Prescribing
* Consultation and Decision Making
* Putting Prescribing into Practice
Career Options
There are many opportunities within the managed and private sectors for health care professionals with a prescribing qualification.
The PgCert in Prescribing forms a pathway onto the MSc in Medicines Management run by the Medway School of Pharmacy. Students can register for the PgCert in Prescribing as a stand alone qualification or the full diploma or MSc in Medicines Management