Conversion Programme for Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and Therapeutic Radiographers Supplementary Prescribers to become Independent Prescribers

Course detail

How will this course be taught

This is a 13-week course which focuses upon the theoretical and clinical elements which underpin the practice of prescribing. This conversion programme is non-accredited.

Teaching contact hours

The course comprises 4 days of theoretical content face to face within the university, with a further 2 days supervised practice (equating to 15 hours). The supervised practice is spent with a Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) identified prior to the commencement of the course.

Entry requirements

Applicants to the programme must provide evidence that they have met the following criteria for eligibility to undertake a conversion prescribing programme.

You must:

• Be registered with the HCPC on the physiotherapist, podiatrist or therapeutic radiographer register and currently annotated on the relevant HCPC register as a supplementary prescriber.
• Be currently practicing as a prescriber for the past six months prior to the start of the conversion programme.
• Be able to provide a statement of support from a medical practitioner that confirms a suitable level of competence to progress to independent prescribing.
• Be professionally practising in an environment where there is an identified need for the individual to regularly use independent prescribing.
• Be able to demonstrate support from your employer/sponsor including confirmation that you will have appropriate supervised practice in the clinical area in which you are expected to independently prescribe.
• Have an approved designated medical practitioner (DMP)

Assessment

Coursework 1: Portfolio of Evidence to Demonstrate Achievement of Prescribing Standards

The portfolio will require students to demonstrate their competence in supervised practice and completion of the clinical prescribing competency grid (pass/fail).

The Clinical Prescribing Competency Grid must include a log of the completed 2 days supervised practice period and sign off by the DMP and the employer that the student is competent to prescribe medicines in their area of practice.

How will this course enhance my career prospects?

This course will prepare you for undertaking advanced autonomous roles within healthcare, able to demonstrate the provision of high quality, innovative and cost effective care to patients in a wide range of care settings.

Fees and funding

Students may be funded by an employer or a sponsor or can self-fund.