
London is a great destination to attend a non-medical prescribing course. The city offers various resources and experienced professionals to help you learn the necessary skills. The course is designed to provide safe and effective healthcare by equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for non-medical prescribing.
To be eligible for a non-medical prescribing course in London, candidates must hold a valid registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Once registered, they will be required to complete the entire duration of the course.
The course length varies depending on the type and level of qualification, but generally, it takes up to 6 months to complete. During this time, students will learn the fundamentals of non-medical prescribing, such as patient assessment, health promotion and drug administration. They will also be taught the legal and ethical responsibilities of prescribing medicines.
What will I learn from this article?
- I. Introduction
- A. Explanation of non-medical prescribing
- B. Importance of non-medical prescribing
- C. Purpose of the article
- II. What is non-medical prescribing?
- A. Definition and Explanation of non-medical prescribing
- B. Types of non-medical prescribing
- 1. Independent prescribing
- 2. Supplementary prescribing
- 3. Nurse and pharmacist prescribing
- C. Legal and regulatory framework
- III. Who can become a non-medical prescriber?
- A. Eligibility criteria
- B. Education and training requirements
- 1. Accredited courses and programs
- 2. University and professional development courses
- C. Continuing professional development and revalidation
- IV. What is a designated prescribing practitioner?
- A. Definition and Explanation of the role
- B. Qualifications and requirements
- C. Responsibilities and expectations
- 1. Supervision and support non-medical prescribers
- 2. Ensuring the safe and effective prescribing practice
- 3. Monitoring and auditing prescribing activity
- D. Legal and regulatory framework
- V. Benefits of non-medical prescribing
- A. Improved patient access to medications and treatments
- B. Reduced waiting times and improved patient satisfaction
- C. Enhanced collaboration and multidisciplinary team working
- D. Increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- E. Improved patient safety and quality of care
- VI. Challenges and considerations
- A. Role clarification and scope of practice
- B. Legal and ethical considerations
- C. Managing risk and safety
- D. Effective communication and information sharing
- E. Managing workload and time constraints
- VII. Conclusion
- A. Recap of non-medical prescribing and its benefits
- B. Call to action for healthcare professionals to consider non-medical prescribing
- C. Future directions and advancements in non-medical prescribing and designated prescribing practitioners.
What is the non-medical prescribing course?
Non-Medical Prescribing Course: Everything You Need to Know
Non-medical prescribing is a valuable skill that can improve patient access to medications and treatments, reduce waiting times, and enhance collaboration and teamwork in healthcare settings. But what exactly is non-medical prescribing, and who can become a non-medical prescriber? This article will answer these questions, including what a designated prescribing practitioner is and their role entails.
What is Non-Medical Prescribing?
Non-medical prescribing refers to the ability of healthcare professionals who are not doctors to prescribe medication and treatments to patients. There are three types of non-medical prescribing: independent, supplementary, and nurse and pharmacist. The legal and regulatory framework for non-medical prescribing varies depending on the type of prescribing.
Who Can Become a Non-Medical Prescriber?
To become a non-medical prescriber, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and complete specific education and training requirements. Eligibility criteria may include being a registered nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional and having relevant clinical experience. Education and training requirements can vary depending on the type of non-medical prescribing but typically involve completing an accredited course or program. In addition, continuing professional development and revalidation are also essential for maintaining your prescribing skills and knowledge.
What is a Designated Prescribing Practitioner?
A designated prescribing practitioner is a healthcare professional supervising and supporting non-medical prescribers. The role of the designated prescribing practitioner is to ensure safe and effective prescribing practice, monitor and audit prescribing activity, and provide ongoing training and support to non-medical prescribers. Qualifications and requirements for becoming a designated prescribing practitioner may vary depending on the healthcare setting and type of prescribing.
Benefits of Non-Medical Prescribing
Non-medical prescribing can bring many benefits to patients and healthcare systems. Improved patient access to medications and treatments, reduced waiting times, and enhanced collaboration and teamwork are just a few of the potential benefits. Non-medical prescribing can also increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness and improve patient safety and quality of care.
Challenges and Considerations
Like any healthcare practice, non-medical prescribing comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. For example, role clarification and scope of practice, legal and ethical considerations, managing risk and safety, effective communication and information sharing, and managing workload and time constraints are all important factors to consider when implementing non-medical prescribing in a healthcare setting.
Non-medical prescribing course London south bank
The course “Prescribing for Clinical Practice (V300)” prepares qualified nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and podiatrists for independent prescribing and advanced paramedics within a specified field of clinical practice. It is a short professional module validated by the Nursing Midwifery Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, and Health Care Professions Council.
Course Details
The course is delivered in 12 study days, requiring total attendance, partly on Teams and partly in person. Applicants may find completing a health assessment module beneficial before undertaking the non-medical prescribing program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be registered with the Nursing Midwifery Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, or Health Care Professions Council and have at least 12 months post-registration within the UK as a nurse, two years post-registration within the UK as a pharmacist, and three years post-registration the UK as an allied health professional.
You should also have at least one year of experience in the field in which you will be prescribing, the ability to study at Level 7, an identified need for prescribing within their specified clinical practice, support from their employing organisation, a recognised prescribing clinician willing to act as a clinical facilitator, a current CRB, and be working clinically for a minimum of 25 hours a week in healthcare.
Self-employed applicants should demonstrate how they intend to prescribe and have at least one year of experience in the field in which they will be prescribing. In addition, Paramedics must have evidence of previous Level 7 study, and students who have not previously undertaken study at academic Level 7 (Masters level) are advised to consider the workshop: Preparation for Masters Level Study.
Standalone Module
The course is available as a standalone module.
Why do non-medical prescribing courses

Non-medical prescribing has become an increasingly important skill for healthcare professionals to possess. In many cases, non-medical prescribing can often improve patient care, enhance access to medications and treatments, and reduce waiting times. This section will explore why healthcare professionals may undertake a non-medical prescribing course.
Improved Patient Access to Medications and Treatments
One of the primary benefits of non-medical prescribing is improved patient access to medications and treatments. Patients can access treatment more quickly and easily by enabling non-medical professionals such as nurses and pharmacists to prescribe medications. This can be particularly important in cases where a patient’s condition requires urgent attention or where there are long waiting lists to see a doctor.
Reduced Waiting Times
Reducing waiting times for patients is another significant benefit of non-medical prescribing. Patients can receive care more quickly and efficiently by allowing non-medical professionals to prescribe medications and treatments. This can help reduce waiting times for appointments and procedures, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Enhanced Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Team Working
Non-medical prescribing can also enhance collaboration and teamwork within healthcare settings. By allowing non-medical professionals to prescribe medications and treatments, they can work more closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. This can help to improve communication and information sharing, leading to better patient care and outcomes.
Increased Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Non-medical prescribing can also increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness within healthcare systems. By allowing non-medical professionals to prescribe medications and treatments, doctors can focus on more complex cases, which can help to reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, non-medical prescribing can help reduce healthcare costs, allowing for more efficient use of resources.
Improved Patient Safety and Quality of Care
Finally, non-medical prescribing can help to improve patient safety and quality of care. By enabling non-medical professionals to prescribe medications and treatments, patients can receive care more quickly and efficiently, which can help to reduce the risk of complications and adverse events. Additionally, by working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals, non-medical professionals can provide high-quality care that meets each patient’s needs.
Non-medical prescribing has become an increasingly important skill for healthcare professionals to possess. By enabling non-medical professionals to prescribe medications and treatments, patients can access care more quickly and efficiently, improving patient outcomes.
Non-medical prescribing can also enhance collaboration and teamwork within healthcare settings, increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and improve patient safety and quality of care. As such, healthcare professionals may undertake a non-medical prescribing course to develop this valuable skill and enhance their practice.
Cost of non-medical prescribing course
Non-medical prescribing courses are an essential investment for healthcare professionals, as they provide the skills necessary to prescribe medications and treatments to patients. However, one of the primary concerns for individuals considering this type of training is the cost. In this section, we will explore the cost of non-medical prescribing courses, and what factors you should consider before deciding to undertake one.
Course Fees
The cost of non-medical prescribing courses can vary depending on the type of course, the institution offering the course, and the course duration. Typically, non-medical prescribing courses in the UK can range from £1600 to £3000. However, it is worth noting that some healthcare organisations and employers offer financial support to their employees who wish to undertake this type of training.
Additional Costs
In addition to course fees, there may be other costs associated with undertaking a non-medical prescribing course. For example, you may need to purchase textbooks, travel to attend face-to-face training sessions, and pay for professional registration or certification. Therefore, it is essential to factor in these additional costs when considering the total cost of the training.
Opportunity Costs
When weighing up the cost of a non-medical prescribing course, it is also important to consider the opportunity cost. This refers to the cost of not undertaking the course – for example, missing out on potential promotions, salary increases or job opportunities because you lack this vital skillset.
Non-medical prescribing courses in London
The list below provides the names of universities in the United Kingdom that offer accredited non-medical prescribing courses for pharmacists.
These courses prepare pharmacists for independent prescribing, enabling them to prescribe medicines for patients with specific conditions.
The accredited courses offered in London are:
- King’s College London London
- South Bank University
- University of East London
- Open University
- University College London
County-wise division accredited course
England:
- Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridgeshire)
- Aston University (Birmingham)
- University of Bath (Somerset)
- University of Birmingham (Birmingham)
- University of Bolton (Bolton) University of Bradford (West Yorkshire)
- Buckinghamshire New University (Buckinghamshire)
- Coventry University (West Midlands)
- University of Cumbria (Cumbria)
- De Montfort University (Leicester)
- University of Derby (Derby)
- University of East Anglia (Norwich)
- University of Exeter (Exeter)
- University of Hertfordshire (Hertfordshire)
- University of Huddersfield (West Yorkshire)
- University of Hull (Hull)
- Keele University (Staffordshire)
- King’s College London (London)
- University of Leeds (Leeds)
- University of Leicester (Leicester)
- University of Lincoln (Lincoln)
- Liverpool John Moores University (Liverpool)
- London South Bank University (London)
- University of Manchester (Manchester)
- Medway School of Pharmacy (Kent)
- Open University (Milton Keynes)
- University of Portsmouth (Portsmouth)
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
- University of Salford (Salford)
- Sheffield Hallam University (South Yorkshire)
- The University of South Wales (formerly the University of Glamorgan and University of Wales) (Pontypridd, Wales)
- University of Sunderland (Sunderland)
- University College London (London)
- University of the West of England (Bristol)
- University of Wolverhampton (West Midlands)
- University of Worcester (Worcester)
Northern Ireland:
- Queen’s University, Belfast (Belfast)
- Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD) (Belfast)
Scotland:
- University of Strathclyde (Glasgow)
Wales:
- Bangor University (Bangor)
- Cardiff University (Cardiff) Glyndwr University (Wrexham)
- The University of Suffolk (formerly University Campus Suffolk) (Ipswich)
How hard is the non-medical prescribing course
The non-medical prescribing course is a comprehensive training program that equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to prescribe medications and treatments to patients. While the course is challenging, with significant theoretical and practical learning involved, it is also gratifying for those who complete it.
In this section, we will explore the difficulty level of the non-medical prescribing course and what you can expect when undertaking this type of training.
Course Content
The non-medical prescribing course covers various topics, including pharmacology, prescribing legislation and ethical considerations. In addition, students must also learn about the different medical conditions and medications they will be prescribed for. The content of the course can be complex and detailed, requiring a significant amount of time and effort to comprehend and retain fully.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods for the non-medical prescribing course typically include written assignments, exams and practical assessments. These assessments can be challenging and require students to understand the course content comprehensively. However, most institutions will provide support and guidance to help students prepare for examinations and ensure they are well-equipped to succeed.
Time Commitment
The non-medical prescribing course can be a significant time commitment, requiring students to balance their studies with their work and personal responsibilities. Depending on the institution and the mode of study, the course can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete. Therefore, students must be prepared to commit significant time and effort to complete the course.
General Pharmaceutical Society non-medical prescribing learning outcomes
The non-medical prescribing course is a rigorous training program that equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to prescribe medications and treatments to patients.
The course is designed to meet specific learning outcomes across four domains, including person-centred care, professionalism, professional knowledge and skills, and collaboration.
The outcome levels in the course are based on Miller’s triangle, which assesses competence and knowledge levels across four stages, ranging from knowing (having knowledge) to doing (demonstrating competence repeatedly and reliably). Because each group assesses different skills and expertise, different assessment methods are needed.
The course is taught at the master’s level and requires structured learning activities of at least 26 days and a period of learning in the practice of at least 90 hours.
Each domain and learning outcome is equally important, and the curriculum, teaching and learning strategies and training plans are designed to help students achieve the required outcomes.
Person-centred care domain
The person-centred care domain of the non-medical prescribing course focuses on the skills and knowledge required to provide patient-centred care when prescribing medications.
To pass this domain, trainees must demonstrate their ability to recognise the psychological and physical impacts of prescribing decisions on patients, understand their legal responsibilities under equality and human rights legislation, respect diversity and cultural differences, take responsibility for ensuring person-centred care is not compromised, demonstrate appropriate consultation skills, and support individuals to make informed choices that respect their preferences.
These outcomes are assessed at different levels of Miller’s triangle, ranging from “knows how” to “does” and “shows how.” Overall, the person-centred care domain emphasises the importance of understanding and meeting patients’ needs and preferences when prescribing medications.
Professionalism domain
The professionalism domain of the non-medical prescribing course focuses on the responsibilities and ethical considerations associated with prescribing medications.
To pass this domain, trainees must demonstrate their ability to understand their role and the role of others in multi-professional teams, recognise their responsibilities as a prescriber, apply relevant legislation and ethical frameworks, manage factors that may influence prescribing decisions, use local and national guidelines and policies, reflect on and develop their prescribing practice, apply an understanding of health economics, understand clinical governance, and recognise and raise concerns about inappropriate or unsafe prescribing by other prescribers.
These outcomes are assessed at different levels of Miller’s triangle, ranging from “knows how” to “shows how” and “does.”
The professionalism domain emphasises the importance of ethical, responsible, and safe prescribing practices.
Professional knowledge and skills
The third domain of pharmacist independent prescribing education and training is the professional knowledge, and skills trainees must demonstrate to pass the course. There are 12 learning outcomes in this domain, from applying evidence-based decision-making and managing risks and benefits associated with prescribing decisions to creating and maintaining appropriate records and recognising public health issues in promoting health as part of prescribing practice.
The levels of assessment range from “does” to “show how” and “knows how”. Trainees must be able to interpret results and data in their prescribing practice, utilise current and emerging systems and technologies, and recognise and manage prescribing and medication errors. They must also apply the principles of effective monitoring and management to improve patient outcomes.
Collaboration
The collaboration domain focuses on trainees’ ability to work collaboratively with others to optimise individuals’ care.
At the end of each element of their pharmacist independent prescribing education and training, trainees are expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Work collaboratively with others to optimise individuals’ care.
- Recognise their role and responsibilities, and those of others, in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
- Recognise when and where to refer people appropriately.
- Collaborate with people to encourage them to take responsibility for managing care.
- Demonstrate appropriate consultation skills to get information from individuals unaware of or guarded about their health needs to inform safe prescribing.
- Recognise when to seek guidance from another member of the healthcare team or appropriate authority.
Non-medical prescribing is an essential skill that can benefit patients and healthcare systems in many ways. However, becoming a non-medical prescriber requires meeting eligibility criteria and completing education and training requirements.
Designated prescribing practitioners play an essential role in supporting and supervising non-medical prescribers.
While there are challenges and considerations to consider, the potential benefits of non-medical prescribing make it a valuable skill for healthcare professionals to think about. I hope you find this article, non-medical prescribing course London, useful.