Independent Prescribing NHS-4258 - Entry

This is a blended learning level 7 short course in Independent Prescribing, and is open to registered nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, and paramedics. 

If you are interested in the Level 6 Independent Prescribing course, please click here:  Independent Prescribing NHS-3212. 

The course will start on 18 September, 2025, in Semester 1 of the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Aspects of the teaching will be delivered in conjunction with the Prescribing for Pharmacists course. The multi-professional nature of the short course provides a valuable opportunity for experienced professionals to share their knowledge and skills and develop different perspectives on prescribing practice. Interprofessional learning will encourage a collaborative team-orientated approach to learning and working. Based on this, you will be expected to take an active role in interprofessional learning during the programme by sharing your expertise and professional perspective. 

The course will ensure that you are familiar with and can apply the general principles of prescribing practice which you must utilise within your own area of clinical expertise. Topics will be delivered in a generic style and the speakers will refer to their own clinical experience to provide clinical examples, however the principles discussed can be applied to all areas of practice. The course will allow you to expand on your existing knowledge and apply these to the principles of prescribing. This will provide a strong foundation for your development as a newly qualified independent/supplementary prescriber. 

Who is this course for?

This level 7 prescribing short course is aimed at registered nurses, midwives, physiotherapists and paramedics with recent, evidence of level 7 academic study who wish to become independent prescribers.  

This short course is suitable for healthcare professionals who have identified how becoming an independent prescriber will benefit patient care. 

Why study this course?

This challenging but rewarding short course will enable the understanding of the clinical, legal and ethical responsibilities of an independent prescriber. The knowledge and skills learned on this course will empower you to adopt a person-centred approach to prescribing within your identified scope of practice.  

Through learning with, and from, other healthcare professionals such nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, paramedics, and pharmacists, you will be empowered to facilitate a multi-professional approach to prescribing practice to improve patient care. 

How long does this course take to complete?

This part-time course is spread over seven months.

Taught sessions will be delivered on the Bangor campus on Thursdays and spread between September 2025 and March 2026.

• September 18th, 25th
• October 2nd, 9th (remote), 16th
• November 6th, 20th, 27th
• December 11th
• January 16th
• February 12th
• March 5th

A further day in March will be allocated to the OSCEs.

You will be expected to complete a further 11 weeks of self-directed study to prepare for assignments.

The final assignment will be submitted in April 2026.

Students are also required to complete a minimum of 90 hours in clinical practice under the supervision of a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).

Please note that this may be subject to change following an ongoing revalidation process.

Tutor

Ffion Simcox 

 Ffion is the lead for the prescribing courses at Bangor University, as well as the lead for the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. Ffion is also the deputy chair of the Welsh Advanced Practice Educators’ Network (WAPEN). Ffion qualified as a registered nurse in 1996 and as an independent prescriber in 2011. She completed her MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in 2012 and worked as an ACP in acute medicine for 6 years prior to joining the University.

What will you study on this course?

This challenging but rewarding short course will enable the understanding of the clinical, legal and ethical responsibilities of an independent prescriber. The knowledge and skills learned on this course will empower you to adopt a person-centred approach to prescribing within your identified scope of practice.  

Through learning with, and from, other healthcare professionals such nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, paramedics, and pharmacists, you will be empowered to facilitate a multi-professional approach to prescribing practice to improve patient care. 

What will attendees get out of the course?

You will be taught by experienced independent and medical prescribers from different professional backgrounds. Teaching is supported by expert clinicians to ensure that the content is relevant and applicable to clinical practice. 

By the end of this course, learners will be able to appreciate, understand and demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to become a safe and effective independent prescriber, with an emphasis on individualised care, as outlined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Competency Framework for all Prescribers (RPS, 2019). 

On successful completion of this short course, students will be able to register their independent/supplementary prescribing status with their regulatory body. 

For most staff working in Wales, subject to entrance criteria, the course will be fully funded by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). If you work in North Wales, regardless of employer, please contact BCU.EducationACP@wales.nhs.uk as BCUHB administers the funding for the course. You should apply for funding and study leave in parallel with your university application. 

• Students will need access to a computer and internet connection as well as a calculator and a current copy of the British National Formulary (BNF). 

• All students require an enhanced DBS check (including international checks where appropriate) which is normally funded by their employer. 

NMC registrants: 

• Registered nurse, midwife or SCPHN. 
• Registered with the NMC for a minimum of 1 year prior to application. 
• Have identified a suitable Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor to perform the Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) roles on application. 

HCPC registrants: 

• Registered with the HCPC and have a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience in the clinical area in which you intend to prescribe. 
• Practicing in an environment where there is an identified need to regularly use independent or supplementary prescribing. 
• Have a qualification in advanced practice or working at an equivalent level. 
• Can demonstrate how you reflect on your own performance and take responsibility for your own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including development of networks for support, reflection and learning. 
• Have identified a suitable Practice Educator to perform the Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) role on application.  
• On application, a supplementary form specific to the Independent Prescribing programme will need to be completed and submitted. 

 Find out more on the DPP role in this short video. 

How to Apply

Please contact contact Helen Charles (hsp23f@bangor.ac.uk) or Ffion Simcox (f.simcox@bangor.ac.uk) to obtain a detailed guide on how to complete the full application.

Please make sure you read and follow the step-by-step application guide as this will specify which sections of the application form are compulsory for the type of course you want to apply for and save you time.

Please prepare the following information (in a Word document):

• Current employment details;
• Years of experience, and employment history (where relevant)
• Name of staff member and organisation that have approved your funding for this module.

This will speed up the process of completing the application form.