Non-Medical Prescribing

About

The aim of this programme is to prepare nurses and midwives to be able to incorporate safe, appropriate and cost-effective, person-centred prescribing into their practice.



This programme is also available at undergraduate level (Level 6: Advanced Certificate in Nurse Midwife Prescribing) to take account of the professional and academic background and achievement in the target population. Those studying at postgraduate level (level 7) are expected to demonstrate a level of understanding consistent with the level of study being undertaken.



Within this overall aim, the course is designed to enable you as a student to:

Demonstrate understanding of the legislation regulating nurse prescribing; review the implications for your professional practice of undertaking the extended roles of prescribing and practice within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility; use diagnostic reasoning skills on the data acquired from history and health assessment to achieve appropriate diagnoses; apply knowledge of pharmacology in prescribing appropriate drugs to achieve defined health outcomes;



In addition you will be prepared to: prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively within the administrative arrangements in operation; evaluate and document the effectiveness of drug therapy; empower patients/clients and their carers and families through education for safe and effective self-management of drug therapy with recognition of their right to make their own decisions; collaborate with others in the health care team in prescribing, supplying, administering and disposing of medications; and utilize up-to-date information from a range of sources in decision-making about prescribing; demonstrate theoretical knowledge relating to all aspects of Nurse-Midwife prescribing including the genesis and development of Nurse-Midwife prescribing in the United Kingdom; apply existing and new knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics, legal and ethical issues and health assessment to the practice of person-centred Nurse-Midwife prescribing;



You will also develop the academic skills to assimilate, synthesize and evaluate information at an appropriate level for each student and the elected level of study; and exercise sound judgment in the decision-making processes that are central to safe Nurse-Midwife prescribing practice.



Work placement / study abroad

Students will complete a minimum of 90 hours in clinical practice and evidence how they have achieved the competencies within the Nurse-Midwife Prescribing Practice Assessment Document (NMP PAD).

Year One

Practice Learning for Independent Non-Medical Prescribing

Person-Centred Approaches to Prescribing

Prescribing Across the Lifespan

Applicants must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements and specific requirements for the course are detailed here with further conditions of application available on pre-course information available from the HEI.



i) a pre-registration degree in Nursing or Midwifery, a post-registration degree in Nursing, Midwifery or Health Studies/Sciences or an Honours or non-Honours degree in another relevant subject area from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



(ii) An equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and provide evidence of the skills for evidence-based practice;



Applicants must also:

1) Hold current registration with the NMC either as a registered nurse (level 1), a registered midwife or Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) with a minimum of one year's experience in the area in which they intend to prescribe



2) Be employed or self-employed (including NHS and non-NHS settings) as a registered nurse/midwife and also provide confirmation that the necessary governance structures are in place, in the student's employment (including clinical support, access to protected learning time and employer support where appropriate) to enable students to undertake, and be adequately supported throughout, the programme.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 and a score of at least 7 on each of the four aspects of this test.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Attendance

This is a part time course normally delivered at Belfast campus, completed over one academic year (i.e. September until the end of May).

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

Students who enrol on this programme are normally already employed in the specialism of their career choice. Successful attainment of this qualification places students in a strong position with the skills and knowledge to perform at a high level of practice, thus enhancing your career potential.