Learners will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours through the selection of modules designed to enhance one’s ability to take on key clinical roles within organisations. The clinically focused course integrates generic modules, including Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making, and Independent Prescribing (subject to professional regulation), with specialty specific components to meet individual work-based requirements.
The development of understanding in anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and advanced health assessment skills, along with associated work-based learning experiences, facilitates effective clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision making within practice.
All level 7 apprentices will take three core modules plus a specialist negotiated clinical module from the School of Nursing and Midwifery or the wider College of Medicine and Dental Sciences level 7 stand-alone module portfolio. There is also a mandatory End Point Assessment to complete the final 20 credits of the award.
Core modules:
- Advanced Physical Health Assessment* (20 credits)
- Advanced Clinical Decision Making* (20 credits) - NB: Students will need to undertake supervised clinical practice
- The Reflective Advanced Practitioner (20 credits)
- Research Project/Dissertation (40 credits)
Route 1: Prescribing route:
Incorporates the Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing (for students eligible to undertake independent prescribing qualification). Students must complete and pass both to record their prescribing qualifications with their regulatory body.
Please note: Students will need to undertake 90 hours of supervised clinical practice relating to prescribing practice over the duration of these modules.
Route 2: Research or Clinical Route
Level 7 apprentices will choose a further two option modules from within the School of Nursing and Midwifery or the wider College of Medicine and Dental Sciences in line with their clinical specialist area of practice or role development requirements.
Optional modules can include:
*These modules are available on a stand-alone basis. For more details click on the module title.
All students taking the MSc must complete the Dissertation module and carry out an independent research project.
All apprenticeship students will be required to undertake an end point assessment undertaken as part of the final 20 credit module in year 3.
Learners are required to complete supervised practice within their clinical area with the support of practice supervisors and assessors and maintain a clinical portfolio reflecting the four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice.
The University will maintain a close partnership with practice areas for the duration of study to facilitate an inclusive and supportive learning environment. During clinically focused hours, students will be under direct and/or indirect supervision by their allocated practice supervisor or assessor to facilitate the completion of competency-based assessments and the development of a comprehensive evidence portfolio to demonstrate developing competence across the four pillars of practice. Learners are encouraged to engage with specialty specific competencies from their respective Royal Colleges or Specialty Societies to supplement their portfolio development during the duration of the course.
Read more about the Apprenticeship Standard for Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Degree).