Program Overview

Course Details

Overview

This course, Physical Examination and Diagnostics (NHS-4228), is a blended learning module open to patient-facing healthcare professionals registered with a regulatory body in the UK. It aims to equip professionals with evidence-based physical examination techniques to support diagnosis and management in patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions.

Course Structure

• Credits: 20
• Duration: 19 weeks
• Study Mode: Part Time
• Location: Bangor

About This Course

Introduction

The module is designed for registered healthcare professionals such as nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, and pharmacists who wish to expand their scope of practice to benefit patient care. It focuses on acquiring evidence-based physical examination techniques and understanding diagnostic reasoning and professional, legal, and ethical accountability.

Module Content

The course covers various aspects of physical examination and diagnostics, including:

• Anatomical landmarks
• Upper and lower limb musculoskeletal assessment
• Biochemistry investigations to support diagnosis and management
• Arterial blood gases interpretation
• Haematology investigations to support diagnosis and management
• The neurological examination
• The cardiovascular examination
• The respiratory examination
• The gastrointestinal examination
• Recording and interpreting the ECG
• X-ray interpretation
• Understanding the role of investigations in diagnosis and management
• Diagnostic reasoning
• Accountability

Tutor

The lead tutor for this module is Ffion Simcox, who is also the lead for the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at Bangor University and the deputy chair of the Welsh Advanced Practice Educators' Network (WAPEN). Ffion has a background as a registered nurse and independent prescriber, with experience working as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in acute medicine.

Course Cost

Please refer to the Postgraduate Fees and Finance page for the most current information. Scholarships might be available for this Short Course; interested applicants should contact the team to discuss further.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be registered healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom in a patient-facing role and employed at band 6 as a minimum.

Application

How to Apply

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Create an account in the Applicant Portal.
2. Complete all sections of the application form, including personal details, programme selection (Non-graduating applications / Stand alone Modules, then Non-graduating Postgraduate Taught), and module code (NHS:4228 for Physical Examination and Diagnostics).
3. Upload required documents, including evidence of qualifications and employment history.
4. Answer finance questions appropriately, depending on whether you are sponsored or self-funding.

Contact for Questions

For any questions or need for help, contact the course leader, Ffion Simcox.