Join our Postgraduate Open Day - Wednesday 20 March

Register now

Advanced Critical Care Practitioner - Postgraduate Diploma

Duration
27 months full time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Distance learning, Taught
Fees

 

 

The aim of the Advanced Critical Care Practitioner programme is to develop a new professional able to safely fulfil a proportion of those roles currently only undertaken by medically qualified intensive care trainees in the National Health Service.

 

 

Programme suspension

The Advanced Critical Care Practitioner (ACCP) Programme is currently suspended for applications.

This new role is seen to be important in pioneering the shift of work, traditionally done only by doctors, to new, non-medically trained grades of staff. It also addresses the current workforce planning problems in critical care.

This programme allows students to extend their studies beyond the qualification required for registration (PG Diploma: Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) to an MSc, by satisfactorily completing a dissertation.

The programme is 27 months full-time which includes 24 months of academic study and clinical training, followed by 3 months of supervised practice.

Why study this course?

Following on from the success of the Physicians’ Assistant (Anaesthesia) and other non-medical practitioner roles there has been renewed interest in the development of the role of Advanced Critical Care Practitioners (ACCP)  from surrounding Trusts.  

Modules

The programme is made up of 12 two-month blocks of teaching. Each block lasts for approximately 35 days to allow for holidays and is broken down as follows:

  • Directed self study – 70 hours
  • Small group teaching – 14 hours
  • Clinical skills teaching – 21 hours
  • Workplace experience – 140 hours

A typical week may consist of:

  • 1 2-hour tutorial
  • 2-3 days in the clinical area
  • ½ day clinical skills training
  • 1½ days self-directed study, e.g. working through the e-lectures

The blocks are as follows:

Module 1 Intro Clinical Practice in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (30 credits) consists of:

  • Block 1 – Introduction to clinical practice (1)
  • Block 2 – Introduction to clinical practice (2)
  • Block 3 – Introduction to anaesthesia and intensive care

Module 2 Applied Science of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (20 credits) consists of:

  • Block 4 – Physics in anaesthesia and intensive care
  • Block 5 – The anaesthesia machine and monitoring, intensive care ventilators

Module 3 Body Systems in Anaesthesia & Critical Care (40 credits) consists of:

  • Block 6 – The heart and circulation
  • Block 7 – The airways and lungs
  • Block 8 – The kidneys, liver, endocrine system and blood
  • Block 9 – The brain and nervous system

Module 4 Critical Care in Clinical Practice (30 credits)

  • Block 10 – ICU Admissions, Clinical History and Examination
  • Block 11 – Life Threatening Emergencies and Intensive Care
  • Block 12 – Advanced Practice

The programme is delivered primarily in the Trust to give maximum exposure to the clinical environment. Delivery of the academic component is largely through e-lectures using the University's virtual learning environment, Canvas. Key aspects of the e-lectures are discussed further in the tutorial sessions led by the clinical tutor, as well as issues encountered in the clinical area and the application of the theoretical component. Tutorial plans are supplied as part of the programme material.

How To Apply

The promotion of the course is carried out through the individual NHS Trusts that support Advanced Critical Care Training. Places are advertised on NHS Jobs and students apply directly to that Trust. Applications are individually assessed by the Trust and the University. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by a Trust panel which includes consultant anaesthetists and/or critical care consultants.

Students are and remain employees of the Trust throughout the 27 months of the programme and students whose employment with the Trust ceases are required to withdraw from the programme.

Our Standard Requirements

Registered health care practitioners (eg, nurses, operating department practitioners/Physician Assistants’ (Anaesthesia)) require one or both of the following: At least three years full-time, post-qualification work experience in a relevant area, and evidence of recent (within three years) and successful academic activity.  A first degree in a health-related subject.

 

International Requirements


The programme is made up of 12 two-month blocks of teaching. Each block lasts for approximately 35 days to allow for holidays and is broken down as follows:

  • Directed self study – 70 hours
  • Small group teaching – 14 hours
  • Clinical skills teaching – 21 hours
  • Workplace experience – 140 hours

A typical week may consist of:

  • 1 2-hour tutorial
  • 2-3 days in the clinical area
  • ½ day clinical skills training
  • 1½ days self-directed study, e.g. working through the e-lectures 

Assessment Methods

Students attend the University for an induction day, exams and the mock OSCE. The final OSCE examination takes place at the Royal College of Anaesthetists in London.

 

This programme is part of a structured training programme for the role of Advanced Critical Care Practitioner (ACCP) It is fully funded by the individual NHS Trust that supports ACCP training.