Entry requirements

Registration with the appropriate professional/regulatory body (NMC, GPhC, PSNI or HCPC)
Appropriate experience in the area of practice in which they will be prescribing
The ability to study at academic level 6 or level 7
Nurses and Midwives: At least one year's post-registration clinical experience in the UK. This includes all nurse (level 1), midwife or SCPHN registrants (including NHS, self-employed or non-NHS employed registrants)
Pharmacists: At least two years' post-registration clinical experience in the UK
Allied Health Professionals (excluding Paramedics) At least three years' post-registration clinical experience in the UK
Advanced Paramedic Practitioners: College of Paramedics recommend that paramedics are registered and qualified for at least five years with at least three years' relevant post-qualification experience in the clinical area in which they will be prescribing
Appropriate numeracy skills, clinical/health assessment, diagnostics/care management and planning and evaluation of care in their intended area of prescribing practice.
Support from the sponsoring organisation confirming service need, indicating the necessary governance structures are in place (including clinical support, access to protected learning time and employer support where appropriate) to enable the students to undertake and be adequately supported throughout the programme. Access to appropriate supervised practice, and a prescribing budget to meet the costs of prescriptions on completion of training
A named practice supervisor (nurses and midwives); designated medical practitioner (pharmacists); practice educator (AHPs), who will facilitate, supervise and support the student during their clinical placement

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Months of entry

January, February, June, October

Course content

This is a well-established and successful independent / supplementary prescribing programme for community and primary care pharmacists, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, podiatrists, radiographers and dietitians.

It is a part-time, blended learning programme which leads to you qualifying as an independent prescriber (community and primary care pharmacists, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers) or as a supplementary prescriber (diagnostic radiographers and dietitians). You develop the knowledge and skills to practise as prescribers and to meet the standards set by your respective professional/regulatory body. Available as eight or 12 months duration. Also available at Level 6 for nurses/midwives.

Which programme is right for me:

This information is for the STANDARD PROGRAMME for community pharmacists, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, podiatrists, radiographers and dietitians. If you are a hospital, mental health, community trust or CCG pharmacist, please go to our page on the Clinically Enhanced Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Programme. GP Pharmacists may apply for either programme on a self-funded basis.

Entry points and application deadlines

We have two different programme lengths to choose from. You can study over the REGULAR eight months or choose the EXTENDED programme over 12 months. Priority for the regular length programme will be given to those with a clearly defined scope of practice. The extended programme is for all those who may prefer, or who will benefit from, a longer period of study. It is especially suitable for those studying at Level 6 and community pharmacists.

Information for international students

Please see our International website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, international fee-paying students cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Fees and funding

Please visit our funding web pages for the most current opportunities and application details.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

PCert
part time
8 or 12 months
- Distance learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Medway School of Pharmacy
Email: pgtpharmadmin@kent.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)1634 202935

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Independent/Supplementary Prescribing