Introduction
Healthcare professionals considering the path to becoming a non-medical prescriber often have many questions about the process, requirements, and challenges. Having worked as a non-medical prescriber for two years, I want to share my experience and insights to help others considering this career advancement.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Before embarking on the journey to become a non-medical prescriber, several key requirements must be met. First and foremost, you must be registered as a first-level nurse with the NMC for at least three years. However, some universities may have different requirements, with some accepting candidates who have been qualified for just over a year.
The course itself is conducted at either degree or master’s level (Level 7), making it a challenging but rewarding endeavor. This advanced level of study requires dedication and academic rigor, particularly if you’ve been away from formal education for some time.

Getting Started: The Application Process
The journey begins with a crucial decision: whether to self-fund or seek workplace secondment. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Workplace secondment often requires signing a contract committing to stay with the organization for at least one year post-qualification.
Once you’ve made this decision and discussed your interest with your manager, the process typically follows these steps:
- The NMP lead sends forms to both you and your manager for completion
- Upon submission, a panel interview is arranged
- During the interview, you’ll discuss various aspects including:
- Workplace support systems
- Presence of existing non-medical prescribers
- Potential mentorship arrangements
- Time availability for training
- Your potential contribution to the service
- Impact on patient care and team dynamics
Course Requirements and Assessments
Universities maintain strict entry requirements, including a mandatory mathematics test focusing on nursing drug calculations. In my case, a perfect score of 100% was required, though requirements may vary by institution. Additional documentation, such as proof of UK residency, is typically required.
The Learning Experience
My training took place during COVID-19, which meant many sessions were conducted via Teams. While this presented certain challenges, it also demonstrated the flexibility
of modern education. Today, most programs offer a hybrid approach, combining in-person university attendance with remote learning opportunities.
Success in the program requires substantial support from various sources:
- Manager support for workplace learning
- Family and friends for personal encouragement
- Academic mentors for educational guidance
- Library resources for research and study materials
Practical Considerations and Challenges
The time commitment extends beyond the allocated one day per week of formal study. Significant additional study time is required outside of scheduled sessions, making time management crucial for success.
Another important consideration is service need within your area of practice. In my case, working in a prison setting, there was a clear need for additional prescribing capabilities. This allowed me to conduct triage clinics more effectively, assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with appropriate medications.
Specialization and Boundaries
As a non-medical prescriber, it’s essential to establish your specific area of expertise rather than attempting to cover the broad scope that GPs manage. My specialization included:
- Antibiotics
- Analgesia
- Sexual health medication
- Substance misuse medication
Working in a prison environment presented unique challenges, particularly regarding controlled drugs like pregabalin and gabapentin. Setting clear boundaries and maintaining assertive communication with patients is crucial, especially when dealing with requests for controlled substances.

Professional Development and Impact
Becoming a non-medical prescriber significantly improves patient care by streamlining the treatment process. It enhances the nurse-patient relationship and allows for more comprehensive care delivery. The qualification also strengthens professional bonds and increases job satisfaction through expanded responsibilities and capabilities.
The journey to becoming a non-medical prescriber, while challenging, offers substantial rewards in terms of professional growth and improved patient care. With proper support, dedication, and clear boundaries, it represents a valuable advancement in nursing practice.