Anaesthesia and Peri-Operative Sciences PgDip drafted

Program Overview

The Anaesthesia and Peri-Operative Sciences PgDip at Lancaster University is a part-time, two-year program designed to train students to become qualified Anaesthesia Associates. The curriculum aligns with the Royal College of Anaesthetists' curriculum and includes modules on fundamentals of anaesthesia, physiology under stress, applied pharmacology, safety, and workplace-based assessment. Graduates are prepared for careers in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics, and are in high demand within the UK healthcare system.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program Content: The program focuses on training student Anaesthesia Associates to become qualified professionals in the field.
• Curriculum: The curriculum comprises five modules aligned with the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ (RCoA) Anaesthesia Associates curriculum.
These modules include:
• Fundamentals of anaesthesia and peri-operative practice.
• Physiology under stress.
• Applied pharmacology and safety.
• Safety, governance and population health.
• Workplace-based assessment.
• Course Schedule: The program is designed as a part-time program spanning two years.
• Individual Modules:
• Fundamentals of anaesthesia and peri-operative practice:
Covers the basic principles of anaesthesia and peri-operative care, including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative monitoring, and post-operative management.
• Physiology under stress: Explores how the body responds to surgical procedures and other forms of stress, with a focus on maintaining physiological stability during surgery.
• Applied pharmacology and safety: Explains how different drugs used during anaesthesia affect the body, with an emphasis on safe and effective medication management.
• Safety, governance and population health: Addresses issues of safety and quality in the context of peri-operative care, alongside considerations for population health.
• Workplace-based assessment: Provides opportunities to put theoretical learning into practice in real-world clinical settings, under supervision.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Assessments include continuous assessments, written assessments aligned with the General Medical Council (GMC) Anaesthesia Associate Registration Assessment (AARA), and presentations.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers as qualified Anaesthesia Associates in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
• Career Opportunities: The program prepares graduates for a wide range of opportunities within the field, including:
• Providing care to patients undergoing surgical and non-surgical procedures
• Monitoring and managing patients' vital signs during and after procedures
• Assisting with the administration of anesthesia
• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure optimal patient care
• Career Outcomes: Graduates can anticipate a high level of employability upon successful completion of the program, given the demand for qualified Anaesthesia Associates in the UK healthcare system.

Other:

• Pre-requisite: The program is open to individuals with either:
• At least three years clinical experience and/or degree level studies as registered healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, operating department practitioners).
• Graduates holding a biomedical science or biological science 2:1 honours degree or better.
• Continuing Professional Development: Applicants on the basis of clinical experience or those whose graduation was more than seven years ago must demonstrate engagement with continuing professional development (CPD).
• NHS Trust Requirement: Applicants must be employed by an NHS Trust to a Student Anaesthesia Associate post before applying to the program.
• Cross-cutting Clinical Skills & Simulation: This theme relates modules to practice and prepares students robustly for the AARA.
• Program Qualification: Completing this program is a requirement for employment as an Anaesthesia Associate.

Important Note:

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