Advanced Clinical Practice (Apprenticeship) MSc drafted

Program Overview

This three-year apprenticeship program trains experienced healthcare professionals to become Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs). It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, offering various specializations such as Primary Care and Critical Care. Upon completion, graduates meet the national standards for the ACP role, enhancing their practice and expanding their career opportunities in the health and social care workforce.

Program Outline

Outline:

Year 1

• Core Clinical Assessment, Skills and Decision-making for Advanced Practice
• Fundamentals of Contemporary Advanced Practice

Year 2

• One of the following:
• Developing Advanced Practice in the Workplace
• Developing Advanced Practice in the Workplace (Cancer Care)
• Developing Advanced Practice in the Workplace (Critical Care)
• Developing Advanced Practice in the Workplace (Emergency Care)
• Developing Advanced Practice in the Workplace (Mental Health Care)
• Developing Advanced Practice in the Workplace (Primary Care)
• Plus one of the following:
• Independent and Supplementary Prescribing
• Caring for children and young people
• Electrocardiograph (ECG) Monitoring and Interpretation
• Long Term Conditions Management (Diabetes, COPD, Long COVID and Frailty)
• Managing Minor Injuries
• Personal and Practice Development

Year 3

• Core modules:
• Advancing Clinical Practice Project
• Advanced Practice End Point Assessment

Assessment:

The assessment methods for this course are varied and include a combination of coursework; practice/competency based learning, presentations and examinations. The nature of the assessment varies from module to module, and mirrors the modes of communication expected of graduates in this field to include report writing, critique and case presentation.

Teaching:

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies are designed to offer a variety of teaching, learning and assessment opportunities that align with module learning outcomes, and offer realistic and effective preparation to enhance their knowledge, skills and progress as Apprentice Advanced Clinical Practitioners. Learning and teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, group work, practical experience, clinical workstations, staff or student-led tutorials, simulation, lab work, problem based exercises and also via distance learning. Student-centred learning is used throughout the course and modules are designed to embed transferable skills and to allow students to progressively increase their knowledge and confidence.

Careers:

On successful completion of this course you will meet the national standards required for the Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) role.

Other:

• The course challenges the depth and breadth of your knowledge and supports you to demonstrate a high level of practice so you can function at the leading edge of advanced practice.
• The apprenticeship course provides the opportunity for experienced registered healthcare professionals to gain 180 FHEQ level 7 credits and a Master of Science award.
• It is designed to provide those who are working as ACP apprentices, with an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, behaviours and values required to meet the Institute for Apprenticeships Advanced Clinical Practice Standard and for an Advanced Clinical Practitioner role as part of the health and social care workforce.
• The complexity of the course requires you to apply advanced theoretical knowledge in your clinical practice.
To achieve this, you will study part-time for three years, attending the University for the equivalent of one day per week (minimum 20% out of practice training).
• You will be able to study specific routes to support your education including: Primary Care, Critical Care, Emergency Care, Mental Health Care, Cancer Care or Generic.
• You will work with Clinical Educators in practice throughout the course in order to meet the learning outcomes for modules and the EPA.