What you need to know about the De Montfort University practice certificate in independent prescribing
The De Montfort University 45 credit module practice certificate in independent prescribing is a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC) accredited master’s level course. After completing this program, graduates can receive a professional award that permits them to apply to the GPHC to register as an independent prescriber.
This program will provide the governance and structure required to ensure you can safely prescribe medication. The program meets the learning outcomes and standards of the GPHC for independent prescribers.
Contact details of the postgraduate team can be found below:
Zeenat Hassam
- Module Leader Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy
- Tel Number: (0116) 257 7129
- E-mail: zeenat.h.hassam@dmu.ac.uk
Trisha Roshni Patel, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy
- Tel Number: (0116) 366 4517
- E-mail: trisha.patel@dmu.ac.uk
Meera Naran, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy
- Tel Number: (0116) 207 8116
- E-mail: meera.naran@dmu.ac.uk
What is the De Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program, and what will it teach you
De Montfort University’s Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists is a 45-credit module master’s degree program that may be taken either as a stand-alone professional development course or as part of a larger postgraduate program.
After completing the program, pharmacists may apply to the Registrar for annotation as a pharmacist independent prescriber on the GPhC register after demonstrating competence under The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) requirements.
The curriculum is taught by combining participation at the university on eight scheduled study days, self-directed learning, and learning in practice over a four-month, six-month, or twelve-month duration. The course requires around 450 hours of study, which is broken down as follows:
- 40 hours of workshops/seminars at the university
- 13 hours of practice study at the university
- 30 hours of online learning
- 180 hours of structured independent learning
- 90 hours (12 days) of supervised learning in practice
- 47 hours of self-directed learning
- 50 hours completing assessments
De Montfort University practice certificate learning outcomes
The De Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program is designed to meet the following learning outcomes such that after completion of the course, a student will be able to:
- Critically evaluate a person-centred and partnership approach to care, through self-awareness of own values and beliefs and understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities, to support individuals to make risk assessed and autonomous informed decisions.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of, and reflection on, the prescribing role within a multidisciplinary team, to ensure accountability and acknowledge influences on prescribing practice, including raising concerns or reporting inappropriate or unsafe practice.
- Apply evidence-based decision-making to all prescribing decisions through a systematic understanding and critical awareness of pharmacology, therapeutics, public health and health promotion to manage the risks and benefits of holistic patient management.
- Ensure safe prescribing practice, and improved patient outcomes, through systematic understanding and utilisation of emerging systems, technologies and practice, and application of the principles of effective monitoring and ongoing management underpinned by appropriate governance processes and documentation that aligns with relevant legislation.
- Apply effective history-taking, consultation, diagnostic and clinical skills to critically evaluate complex information to optimise patient care, recognising the limits of own practice and appropriate referral and support processes.
- Demonstrate appropriate skills to uncover information from individuals who are guarded about or unaware of their health needs, with critical reflection on their role, and those of others, concerning safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
- Demonstrate all the learning outcomes within the current GPhC Standards for the Education and Training of Pharmacist Independent Prescribers.
The benefits of completing the program
The benefits of completing the DDe Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program include:
- Increased knowledge and understanding of safe and effective prescribing practices
- Ability to prescribe medication independently for a range of medical conditions
- Skills and knowledge that can be applied to real-world clinical scenarios
- The valuable credential that can open doors to new career opportunities.
How to apply for the program
If you are interested in enrolling in the De Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program, you can apply online on the DMU website.
The application process is simple, and you can find all the information you need on the website.
Once you submit your application, you will be contacted by an admissions team member to discuss your application further. They will also tell you about the next steps in the admissions process.
If you have any questions about the program, the application process or struggling to find a designated medical practitioner, please don’t hesitate to contact us at MEDLRN.
Alternatively, If you would like further information about the course, e-mail the module team at pharmacyIPrecruitment@dmu.ac.uk. And If you would prefer an informal telephone discussion, you can contact a member of the module team.
Module Team contact numbers:
Trisha Patel
- E: trisha.patel@dmu.ac.uk
- T: 0116 366 4517
Meera Naran
- E: meera.naran@dmu.ac.uk
- T: 0116 207 8116
Tim Harrison
- E: tharrison@dmu.ac.uk
- T: 0116 250 6470
Zeenat Hassam
- E: zeenat.h.hassam@dmu.ac.uk
- T: 0116 257 7129
DMU practice certificate in independent prescribing application form example for external applicants (i.e., those not already enrolled on a course with De Montfort University)
Application form;
De Montfort University Designated prescribing practitioner details for practice certificate in the independent prescribing course
DPP application form
Requirements to enrol in the De Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program
To enrol in the De Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program, you must be a registered pharmacist and on the GPHC register. In addition, you will also need to provide evidence of your competence within your scope of practice and have access to a designated prescribing practitioner (DPP).
Further requirements in addition to the above include:
- a third-class honours (3rd) or higher in Pharmacy or a comparable degree qualification
- You’ll need two years of patient-oriented experience in a UK hospital, community, or primary care setting after your pre-registration year (although this will no longer be a requirement according to an announcement by the GPHC: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/sites/default/files/document/gphc-council-papers-12-may-2022.pdf#page=10)
- Applicants must choose a speciality area to learn their skills as a prescriber and demonstrate up-to-date clinical, pharmacological, and pharmaceutical expertise and experience relevant to that discipline.
- Demonstrate the ability to reflect on performance and accept responsibility for professional development.
- Employer support for learning in practice time and study leave.
Why do pharmacists need to demonstrate experience within their scope of practice before enrolling on the De Montfort University practice certificate in independent prescribing?
The requirement for evidence of competence in prescribing within your scope of practice is in place to ensure that only pharmacists with the required skills to manage, diagnose and treat a disease within their scope are enrolled in the program.
Unfortunately – independent prescribing courses (see below) do not cover the underlying knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical examination skills etc., required to safely manage patients with the disease. As such, only those students with clinical skills should enrol on the course.
If you’re unsure about how to develop your clinical skills – contact us at MEDLRN, and we would be more than happy to help.
The curriculum for the De Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program
Prescribing is a complicated and multidimensional process; the DMU practice certificate in independent prescribing focuses on developing broader pharmacist prescriber skills and knowledge.
Study days and self-directed study cover the following topics:
- Communication and consultation skills
- Clinical skills and physical examination skills
- Influences and psychology of prescribing
- Legal and ethical aspects of prescribing and clinical risk
- Clinical reasoning and decision making and the importance of evidence-based medicine
- Prescribing as part of a multidisciplinary team
Teaching and assessment
Pharmacists will have chosen their own area of expertise in which to improve their prescription skills as such DMU practice certificate in independent prescribing encourages pharmacists to master prescribing skills and tools in order to expand their therapeutic areas of practice after graduation.
This course does not teach therapeutics for single specialities but allows students to develop independent study skills in their expertise areas of practice.
To develop your clinical skills in order to safely diagnose and manage patients; contact us at MEDLRN to discuss your learning needs and enrol on a MEDLN clinical course together, let’s unlock your potential
Assessment strategies:
There are three summative assessments for the course;
(1) Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) – This will include three stations set up to simulate a clinical and consultation scenario with patient actors to assess the pharmacist’s clinical and consultative abilities.
(2) Essay – This piece of writing has a number of elements. It is linked to the pharmacist’s individual scope of practice and allows for consideration of a patient’s entire care pathway.
The essay on prescribing within your practice area is a written assignment that must be completed to successfully complete the course. The essay must be well-written and provide evidence of the pharmacist’s knowledge and understanding of prescribing within their area of practice. In addition, the essay should also demonstrate the pharmacist’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
(3) Prescribing Portfolio – Pharmacists will construct a portfolio to document their experiences, log their learning in practice hours, and demonstrate GPhC learning outcomes and prescribing competencies.
DMU practice certificate in independent prescribing timetable example
What to expect after completing the program
As mentioned above, the De Montfort University independent prescribing certificate is not designed to teach specific clinical skills or develop the required knowledge to safely diagnose, manage and treat disease.
However, after completing the DMU practice certificate in the independent prescribing program, you will be an independent prescriber and have the qualification to gain annotation on the GPHC register as a pharmacist prescriber.
Overall you will have the general skills required to work within your scope of practice and appreciate the steps required to expand your scope of practice.
How long is the independent prescribing program’s DMU practice certificate valid?
The DMU practice certificate in the independent prescribing program is valid for life from the date of completion. However, pharmacists are required to register with the GPHC annually and demonstrate they are competent within their scope of practice.
As such, it is recommended to maintain up-to-date continued professional development (CPD) logs and regularly reflect on your practice.
What is independent prescribing?
Independent prescribing is a type where the clinician can prescribe any medication within their competence without needing to refer to a doctor or dentist. This means that the clinician has more autonomy to make patient care decisions.
However, it is essential to note that independent prescribing does not mean that clinicians are working alone. They still need to consult with other healthcare professionals and the patient to ensure that the medication prescribed is appropriate.
What is supplementary prescribing?
In contrast to the independent prescribing course, supplementary prescribing is where a clinician works with an independent prescriber (usually a doctor) to agree on a patient-specific clinical management plan.
This could involve specific medications but may also encompass other aspects of care such as diet, exercise and psychological support.
The advantages of supplementary prescribing are that it allows clinicians to tailor a patient’s care more specifically. However, it is essential to remember that the supplementary prescriber always works alongside an independent prescriber, who remains responsible for the patient’s overall care.
What is the difference between independent and supplementary prescribing
Independent prescribing is where a clinician can prescribe any medication within their competence without needing to refer to another independent prescriber, i.e., a doctor, dentist or non-medical prescribers.
Conversely, supplementary prescribing is where a clinician works together with an independent prescriber (usually a doctor) to agree on a patient-specific clinical management plan.
Although independent prescribing gives clinicians more autonomy to make patient care decisions, it is essential to note that independent prescribing does not mean that clinicians are working alone. They still need to consult with other healthcare professionals and the patient to ensure that the medication prescribed is appropriate.
How does supplementary prescribing work?
Supplementary prescribing works by the clinician (supplementary prescriber) working alongside an independent prescriber (usually a doctor) to agree on a patient-specific clinical management plan. This could involve the use of specific medications but may also encompass other aspects of care such as diet, exercise and psychological support.
What are the benefits of supplementary prescribing
Supplementary prescribing can be seen as an extension of independent prescribing in that it allows clinicians to tailor a patient’s care more specifically. This can lead to improved patient outcomes as the clinician can prescribe the most appropriate medication for the individual.
In addition, supplementary prescribing can also save time as the clinician does not need to refer the patient to another healthcare professional. Finally, supplementary prescribing can also improve continuity of care as the same clinician can prescribe medications for a patient over an extended period of time.
How can supplementary prescribing help improve patient care?
Supplementary prescribing can help improve patient care in several ways. Firstly, it allows clinicians to tailor a patient’s care more specifically. This can lead to improved patient outcomes as the clinician can prescribe the most appropriate medication for the individual.
In addition, supplementary prescribing can also save time as the clinician does not need to refer the patient to another healthcare professional.
Similar to independent prescribing supplementary prescribing can also improve continuity of care as the same clinician can prescribe medications for a patient over an extended period of time.
What are the benefits of independent prescribing
The main benefit of independent prescribing is that it gives clinicians more autonomy to make decisions about a patient’s care. This can lead to improved patient outcomes as the clinician can prescribe the most appropriate medication for the individual.
In addition, independent prescribing can also save time as the clinician does not need to refer the patient to another healthcare professional. Furthermore, independent prescribing can also improve continuity of care as the same clinician can prescribe medications for a patient over an extended period.
What are the qualifications needed to become an independent prescriber?
The qualifications needed to become an independent prescriber vary depending on the country in which you are training. In the UK, clinicians must have a medicine, dentistry or pharmacy degree.
Specifically- pharmacists must also be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and have completed an approved independent prescribing course.
What qualifications are needed to become a supplementary prescriber?
The qualifications needed to become a supplementary prescriber are similar to those required to become an independent prescriber. For pharmacists, this includes; (1) registering with the GPHC and (2) completing an accredited supplementary prescribing course.
What is required to renew the De Montfort University practice certificate in the independent prescribing program?
Although there is no requirement to renew your independent prescribing course – however – pharmacists are required to annually renew their pharmacist registration with the GPHC.
One of the requirements of a prescribing pharmacist is to demonstrate you remain up to date and practice evidence-based medicine. As such, it is highly encouraged to regularly undertake CPD.
What is the cost of enrolling in the program?
The cost of enrolling in the DMU practice certificate in the independent prescribing program is £2000. This fee covers the materials, examination fees, and administrative costs associated with enrolling in the program.
You may be eligible for Health Education Funding – to find out more – simply contact us at MEDLRN, and we would be more than happy to help.
FAQs about the program
What is the cost of the program?
The cost of the program is £2000.
What are the entry requirements?
The entry requirements for the program are; (1) registered with the GPHC ; (2) having access to a DPP; and (3) identified scope of practice.
What is the duration of the program?
The duration of the program is six months. However, the DMU practice certificate in independent prescribing does offer a shorter four-month and longer twelve-month course.
What is the certificate of completion?
The certificate of completion is a document that signifies that you have completed the program and are required to gain annotation on the GPHC register as an independent prescriber.
How often can I take the program?
It is not required to redo the course after completion. However, you are required to renew your GPHC registration as a pharmacist annually.
Will I learn how to safely manage disease after completing the De Montfort University practice certificate in independent prescribing?
No. The course is not designed to teach clinical skills. Instead, it assists with developing general skills in prescribing, as mentioned above.
Do I have to find a designated prescribing practitioner (DPP) before enrolling on the course?
Yes. One of the requirements to enrol on the programme is having access to a DPP. If you’re struggling to find a DPP – contact us at MEDLRN, and we would be happy to help.
