Course Overview
This module is designed to support you — whether you're a nurse or midwife — in developing a confident, structured, and reflective approach to independent/supplementary prescribing. It’s built around the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and guided by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) Competency Framework for All Prescribers (2021). You’ll explore the theory behind prescribing, sharpen your clinical decision-making skills, and understand the ethical and professional responsibilities that come with prescribing in today’s complex healthcare environments.
The syllabus is organised into ten key themes that mirror the RPS competencies, helping you build a well-rounded skillset. These themes cover every stage of the prescribing journey — from assessing patients and exploring treatment options, to making shared decisions, prescribing safely, and reviewing outcomes. You’ll also become adept with governance topics like prescribing professionally, improving practice, and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Each theme is supported by indicative content that brings competencies to life through practical examples and case-based learning.
This module is not just about meeting standards, it’s about helping you grow into a thoughtful, capable prescriber who puts patients at the heart of every decision.
Formal contact hours: 127.5 hours (17 days)
Placement hours: 90 hours (12 days)
The module uses a variety of teaching methods, including classroom discussions, group work, small group seminars, clinical skills sessions, and academic mentors/personal tutors to support learning and engagement.