Aims: This paper is a report of a study exploring the experiences of non-medical prescribers (NMPs) in managing patients with self-limiting respiratory tract infections (RTIs).Background: A quarter of the population attend primary care with RTIs annually. NICE recommend a no-prescribing strategy for these consultations. Nevertheless, general practitioners (GPs) frequently prescribe antibiotics for patients with RTIs, citing non-clinical reasons such as patient pressure. NMPs increasingly manage people with RTIs; this is the first study to examine their experiences of such consultations.Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews (n=15) and focus groups (n=21) with a purposive sample of NMPs. Data collection occurred between November 2009 and November 2010. An iterative approach was used to develop conceptual categories from the dataset and emerging themes were explored in subsequent interviews/focus groups. Data generation continued until thematic saturation was achieved.Results: NMPs report similar experiences of RTI consultations to GPs. However, NMPs reported being unlikely to prescribe antibiotics due to patient pressure. NMPs believed they possessed the communication skills, confidence and time to deal effectively with patients without prescribing antibiotics. NMPs reported that protocols supported their decision-making and welcomed the benefits of peer support in dealing with ‘demanding’ patients. Despite this, NMP’s newness to the prescribing role meant that some were cautious in dealing with RTI consultations. Conclusion: NMPs recognise the skills needed to manage RTIs without recourse to antibiotics. Protocols are important in supporting decisions to use the ‘no-prescribing’ strategy. Training should facilitate NMPs building on their confidence and skills to manage people with RTIs.