Postgraduate Certificate - Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) approved
The increasing emphasis on developing advanced practice roles within the context of modern healthcare has led to a growth in the number of advanced practice roles within a variety of healthcare professions.
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to build on their existing abilities and further develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake the role of an Independent Non-Medical Prescriber. The course will enable students to develop knowledge and understanding gained in previous academic studies or in appropriate professional experience. It will also further develop cognitive skills, including critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theories, policies and practices, and help you to work independently and collaboratively within a care environment. These aspects combined will help you to develop as a reflective and autonomous practitioner.
The main educational aims of the programme are to provide the student with opportunities to:
- develop the knowledge, skills and competency required to be able to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively as both an Independent and Supplementary Non-Medical Prescriber
- attain the requirements of the Nursing & Midwifery Council to enable registration as a Non-Medical Prescriber develop the professional critiquing and decision-making skills commensurate with Masters level preparation and study
Whilst the content of the programme required by the regulatory bodies is spilt over the three modules there will be an emphasis on ensuring that students are encouraged to consider the prescribing process holistically and relate the theoretical component of the course to their individual practice.
Modules
- Pharmacology for Advanced Practitioners
- Prescribing for Advanced Practitioners
- Non Medical Prescribing within the Context of Advanced
Practice
Structure and Timing
The course usually runs twice a year starting in January and September. Timetabled sessions are scheduled for 10 days at the Francis Close Hall Campus. There is also a requirement to complete 12 days of supervised practice working with a medical supervisor. In addition to the timetabled programme you will be expected to engage in related independent study activities. Normally the programme will be completed in 6 months.
Benefits
- focus on developing prescribing practice in the clinical setting
- application to practice
- completion of the three awards will give the students the University award of Postgraduate Certificate in
Non-Medical Prescribing, recordable with the NMC.
Career paths
Progression through the award should enable practitioners to link learning from the modules to their KSF and provide evidence of development.
How will the course be assessed?
Portfolio, exams, assignments, OSCE
Entry Requirements
To be considered for entry you will be asked to provide evidence of:
- valid registration as a first level nurse, midwife and/or specialist public health nurse on the Professional register maintained by the Nursing & Midwifery Council
- a minimum of three years post-registration with one year spent working in the area within which they wish to prescribe
- demonstrated competency in physical assessment and diagnostic skills within their area of practice
- demonstrated ability to study at academic level four
- written support from their employing organisation
- having a Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) who will provide support and supervision
Location
Francis Close Hall
Enquiries and Applications
Student Recruitment Office
Waterworth Building
The Park, Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL50 4BS
Tel: 01242 714500
Fax: 01242 714827
Email: postgrad@glos.ac.uk