Professional Diploma Prescription of Medication

At the end of the programme the candidate will be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the regulatory framework associated with prescribing, including legislation and professional guidelines, supporting safe prescribing
• Critically utilize evidence based knowledge and skill of patient/client assessment and consultation to achieve a holistic approach to patient/client care in the prescribing of medicinal products
• Apply expert skills in clinical decision making in relation to prescribing medicinal products
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role of the multi-disciplinary team and effective communication processes involved in safe medication management

Teaching and Learning

Theoretical lectures are delivered using a blended approach.  All online lectures are live and recorded. All face-to-face lectures are delivered on Wednesdays in UCD Belfield campus.  Online learning requires a high level of personal motivation, self-discipline, and an aptitude for self-directed learning.  Brightspace (a web-based virtual learning environment) is used extensively.  Access to broadband and proficiency in computer skills are essential.  

Clinical learning is comprised of 26 weeks clinical exposure in the area in which you currently work. A designated medical practitioner mentor will provide 96 hours clinical instruction. Students must complete 10 medicinal product prescribing case studies (i.e., seven formative and three summative) under the supervision of the medical practitioner as a demonstration of competence.

Timetable

Click here to see X642 Provisional Prescribing Master Timetable January - July 2025. Please note this timetable is provisional and subject to change. 

Does this programme have an official conferring ceremony?

Please note there is no online or in-person conferring ceremony for this programme. Your parchment will be posted to you by UCD Conferring.

Funded Students: Employees of the Health Services Executive  

If your Director of Nursing/Director of Midwifery supports your application, and if you are an employee of the Health Services Executive Voluntary and Statutory Services, then the HSE will fund you to undertake this education programme. For information on who can apply and how to apply for HSE funding please click here.  Funding must be approved prior to applying to UCD. Please note, HSE funded applicants must pay the €60 application fee. Your application cannot be processed fully unless the application fee has been paid.

Funding:

If the fees for your programme are being paid by a third party (full or partial), please ensure your funding organisation/sponsor/hospital contacts student.payments@ucd.ie. Students can self-fund their studies on this programme. Please note this is not a student facing email address.

Student Queries:

If you have any queries about your fees, please contact the Student Desk:

www.ucd.ie/askus

https://www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/

Application Fee:

Please note that all applicants are required to pay the €60 application fee. Your application cannot be processed fully unless the application fee has been paid.

More information about fees is available on the UCD website at the link below:

• General information about UCD Fees

You must:

• Be registered as a nurse or midwife on the live register with the NMBI
• Be currently employed as a nurse or midwife
• Have a minimium of 3 years post-registration clinical experience (within the past 5 years) with at least one year in the area in which prescribing is proposed
• Have successfully completed a module in Health Assessment (to include physical examination skills) (minimium level 8 NFQ) 
• Submit a Site Declaration Form signed by the Director of Nursing/Midwifery and nominated Medical Practitioner
• Have completed an NFQ Level 8 degree or international equivalent
• Posess IT competencies

Documents required 

• Validated copies of Certificate/Diploma/Degree awards in Nursing 
• Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant
• A photocopy of current NMBI registration 
• A copy of your birth certificate or personal page of passport
• A validated copy of successful completion of a module in Health Assessment (to include physical examination skills) (minimium level 8 NFQ)
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
• Site Declaration Form (Only up to date fully complete Site Declaration Forms will be accepted)
• If HSE funded, copy of email verifying approval of funding

Please note:  Failure to submit the required documentation or parts thereof prior to the application closing date will result in your application being rejected.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

This programme is for any nurse or midwife who feels the extension of the authority to prescribe will enhance their role and improve the quality and standard of patient care. This extended role must be discussed and approved in advance with your Director of Nursing/Midwifery/Public Health.

This programme is for any General, Psychiatric, Children's, Intellectual Disability Registered Nurse or Midwife or Registered Public Health Nurse, who has three years post registration clinical experience (within the past five years) with the equivalent of one year full time experience in the specific area of practice in which they wish to prescribe.