Physical Assessment Skills (Adult) University Certificate in Professional Development

Program Overview

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The Physical Assessment Skills (Adult) University Certificate in Professional Development equips healthcare professionals with enhanced patient assessment skills, deepening their understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Delivered online over 14 weeks, the program combines lectures, skills videos, and supervised practice, preparing participants for autonomous practice in their chosen field. Participants can tailor their learning to their specific practice area and benefit from flexible learning options and experienced faculty.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Physical Assessment Skills (Adult) University Certificate in Professional Development (UCPD) module equips practitioners expanding their roles to practice autonomously in their chosen field of expertise. It enriches participants' practice through enhanced patient assessments, underpinning knowledge, and improved confidence and competence in clinical examinations.

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Objectives:

• Deepen understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
• Enhance history-taking and examination skills
• Develop confidence and competence in conducting clinical examinations
• Prepare participants for autonomous practice in their chosen field

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Program Description:

• 14 weeks in duration
• 100% online delivery
• Combines online lectures, skills demonstration videos, formative peer group assessment, and supervised practice
• Requires identification of a practice facilitator for supervised practice and assessment
• Offers flexible learning schedule with recorded lectures accessible 24/7
• Provides a practice workbook and online learning environment for interactive learning

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Outline:

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Content:

• Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology applied to the diagnostic process
• Specific systems covered include respiratory, abdomen, and a system of your choice
• Practice-based supervision for application of clinical skills in the practice setting

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Structure:

• Five online sessions delivered bi-weekly
• Supportive online learning environment with interactive elements
• Practice workbook for documenting skills development
• Recorded lectures for flexible learning and review

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Course Schedule:

• Three-hour live online support sessions every other week
• Access to learning materials as the module progresses
• Recorded lectures available 24/7 for repeated viewing

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Individual Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Physical Assessment
• Module 2: Respiratory System
• Module 3: Cardiovascular System
• Module 4: Gastrointestinal System
• Module 5: Neurological System

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Each module includes:

• Online lectures and skills demonstration videos
• Practice-based supervision and assessment
• Practice workbook activities

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Assessment:

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Assessment Components:

• Practice: Examination of three systems from the workbook (respiratory, abdomen, and a system of your choice), assessed by the practice supervisor.
• Theory: Online examination consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions based on the entire module content.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Online lectures
• Skills demonstration videos
• Practice-based supervision
• Interactive online learning environment

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Faculty:

• Experienced healthcare professionals with expertise in physical assessment
• Practitioners with clinical experience

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Unique Approaches:

• Opportunity to tailor learning to your specific practice area through the choice of a system for examination
• Use of a practice workbook for documenting and reflecting on skills development
• Flexible learning format with online access to materials and recorded lectures

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Advanced practitioner roles in various healthcare settings
• Specialist roles in specific areas of practice
• Independent practice as a healthcare professional

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Career Opportunities:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Community health settings
• Private practice

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Career Outcomes:

• Increased confidence and competence in conducting clinical examinations
• Enhanced ability to diagnose and manage patient conditions
• Improved patient care and outcomes

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Other:

• The module is open to all registered healthcare professionals.
• Participants must be currently employed in a clinical role requiring a level of autonomy in diagnostics and case management with access to advanced practitioners.
• The program is delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment, accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
• Limited funded places are available.