How to Write a Personal Statement for a Non-Medical Prescribing Course

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Prerequisites for the Course
3. Personal Statement Overview
4. Structure of the Personal Statement
   1. Paragraph 1: Introduction and Context
   2. Paragraph 2: Motivation
   3. Paragraph 3: Your Experience
   4. Paragraph 4: Scope of Practice
   5. Paragraph 5: Key Skills for Prescribers
   6. Paragraph 6: Conclusion
5. Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Writing a personal statement is a crucial step in applying for a Non-Medical Prescribing (NMP) course. This guide will help you craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your qualifications, experience, and motivation for becoming a prescriber.

Prerequisites for the Course

Before you begin writing your personal statement, ensure you meet the following requirements:

1. You must be a qualified healthcare professional eligible for the course (e.g., pharmacist, nurse).
2. You need access to a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP). For nurses, you also need a Designated Prescribing Supervisor (DPS).

If you’re struggling to find a DPP or DPS, consider reaching out to professional networks or organizations that can assist in matching you with an appropriate mentor.

Personal Statement Overview

Your personal statement should:

• Be between 300 to 500 words long
• Include your scope of practice
• Link to relevant healthcare policies
• Demonstrate your readiness for the course

Remember, universities receive many applications, so it’s essential to make your statement stand out.

Structure of the Personal Statement

Paragraph 1: Introduction and Context

Start by addressing the current healthcare landscape:

• Mention the shortage of GPs and the NHS crisis
• Discuss how pharmacists or nurses are positioned to help
• Reference the NHS Long Term Plan or Workforce Strategy

Example: “With the current shortage of GPs and increasing NHS waiting times, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to assist in addressing the healthcare crisis. This aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan, which emphasizes the importance of expanding the roles of non-medical prescribers.”

Paragraph 2: Motivation

Explain why you want to undertake the prescribing course:

• Discuss your desire to uplift your profession
• Mention job satisfaction and patient care
• Align your goals with the NHS vision

Example: “My motivation for pursuing this prescribing course stems from a desire to enhance patient care and contribute more significantly to my profession. By expanding my skill set, I aim to improve job satisfaction while aligning my career with the NHS vision of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare.”

Paragraph 3: Your Experience

Detail your relevant professional experience:

• Describe your current role and responsibilities
• Highlight how your experience has developed your skills
• Focus on communication, examination, and diagnostic skills

Example: “As a community pharmacist for the past five years, I’ve honed my communication and diagnostic skills through daily patient interactions. I regularly conduct medication reviews, offer lifestyle advice, and make referrals when necessary, all of which have prepared me for the increased responsibilities of a prescriber.”

Paragraph 4: Scope of Practice

Introduce and explain your chosen scope of practice:

• Specify the area you want to develop (e.g., respiratory conditions)
• Describe your current experience in this area
• Explain how you currently diagnose, manage, and treat within this scope
• Demonstrate your ability to differentiate between related conditions

Example: “I aim to develop my prescribing practice in respiratory conditions. Currently, I frequently encounter patients with respiratory issues in my pharmacy. I take detailed histories, perform basic examinations, and differentiate between conditions such as asthma, COPD, and respiratory infections. For instance, when a patient presents with a cough, I consider various possibilities including bronchitis, pneumonia, or even pulmonary embolism, referring or treating as appropriate.”

Paragraph 5: Key Skills for Prescribers

Discuss the essential skills for prescribers and how you possess them:

• Effective communication
• Reflective practice
• Critical analysis
• Evidence-based decision making
• Adherence to GPHC and RPS frameworks

Example: “I recognize that effective prescribers must possess strong communication skills, practice regular reflection, and engage in critical analysis of evidence. My experience has honed these skills, and I am committed to practicing in line with the GPHC standards and the RPS Competency Framework for Prescribers.”

Paragraph 6: Conclusion

Wrap up your statement by:

• Expressing your interest in the specific university
• Summarizing why you’re a strong candidate for the course

Example: “I am excited about the opportunity to join [University Name]’s prescribing course, known for its excellent reputation in pharmacy education. With my experience, skills, and dedication to improving patient care, I believe I am well-prepared to undertake this challenge and contribute positively to the prescribing community.”

Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement

1. Be concise and clear in your writing.
2. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
3. Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
4. Tailor your statement to the specific university and course.
5. Be honest and authentic in your expression.
6. Demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities of a prescriber.

Conclusion

Writing a strong personal statement is crucial for your application to a Non-Medical Prescribing course. By following this structure and including relevant details about your experience, motivation, and understanding of the role, you can create a compelling case for your admission. Remember to showcase your unique qualities and commitment to patient care throughout your statement.