Program Overview

Professional Advocate Programme

Overview

The Professional Advocate Programme is a 10-week course designed to support registered Allied Health Care Professionals at Level 6 or Level 7 in critically analyzing the role of the Professional Advocate (PA) by gaining the skills and knowledge to lead and deliver quality improvements for the NHS.

Course Structure

• The course is a 20-credit level 7 module, relevant to all Allied Health Care Professionals who hold a registration.
• The course will draw upon the A-EQUIP (Advocating and Educating for Quality Improvement) model of professional nursing leadership and restorative clinical supervision.
• The module content reflects the requirements of the RCN PNA Standards for Education and Training Programmes and modules, and in turn, supports the NHS England programme of capacity building and support for the PNA role in practice.

Course Content

• Theoretical foundations of A-EQUIP
• Complex decision making
• Clinical supervisory models
• Theoretical foundations of restorative clinical supervision
• Clinical governance relating to the role of the PA
• Quality improvement processes and evaluation
• Identification, critical evaluation, and implementation of nursing research
• Evidence-based practice
• Patient care and patient safety
• Leadership and culture
• Medico-legal implication of the PA role
• Life-long learning and continuous development
• Supportive strategies
• Coaching, mentoring, supervising
• Presentation skills

Assessment

• There are two assessment methods: a portfolio, and a presentation and professional discussion on a quality improvement initiative of your choice.
• You will complete self-directed study and build your portfolio.
• Assessments are to be completed four weeks following the end of the module.

Cohorts

• There are two cohorts:
  • Cohort 1: 6 May – one day per week for 10 weeks.
  • Cohort 2: 7 October – one day per week for 10 weeks.

Facilities

• This distance-learning course can be studied from anywhere.
• You'll need good internet access to use our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will access specially designed learning materials, e-books, e-journals, relevant websites, and multimedia.

Entry Requirements

• We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team.
• This level 7 postgraduate certificate, worth 20 credits, is for registered allied health professionals on part one of the register who can demonstrate recent level 6 or 7 study. This does not include nursing associate roles.
• All applicants must also complete two modules prior to starting the course via the elearning for healthcare hub. You'll be required to send verification that you've completed these modules when you submit your application.

Fees and Finance

• The fee for this course is £834.
• The employer usually meets these costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.
• We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact us.

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Top-Up)
• Postgraduate Certificate of Achievement: Professional Nurse Advocate