MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner course is healthcare professionals who want to extend the scope of their practice regarding consultation, assessment, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

It is suitable for aspiring Advanced Nurse/ Paramedic Practitioners and people requiring advanced physical assessment skills for their role. Modern healthcare services are dynamic, diverse and challenging, often requiring care and interventions delivered by healthcare practitioners with advanced clinical skills and sound theoretical knowledge.

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner will allow you to develop your skills at an advanced level, thereby meeting the requirements set by National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare (NLIAH).

You will develop your understanding of altered physiology to effectively assess patients' health or ill health status. In addition you will study research methods, influences on current health care practices and independent prescribing. The MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner can be achieved within three years and you will need to be supported by a medical and professional mentor in practice.

Assessment

Assessments include written examinations, assignments and OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations). The OSCEs will take place in May each year and be completed as part of the clinical skills modules and involve undertaking a comprehensive patient history, examining a particular bodily system, and identifying a management and treatment plan for the individual.

Careers

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner will develop a range of clinical skills in greater depth and gain the knowledge to assess, diagnose and treat patients. Study of relevant protocols, policy and research will complement this to allow safe practice at an advanced level. Typical career progression is to Advanced Clinical Practice Nurse. Students can also progress to a PhD or a research degree.

Applicants must be a registered nurse, midwife, SCPHN, health visitor, physiotherapist or pharmacist, or paramedic educated to at least degree level 2:2 or above. Candidates must have a minimum of three years, full-time, post-registration experience (or equivalent part-time) and be in current employment. Accreditation of recognised prior learning (RPL) will also be considered. You will also need to have access to a medical mentor who will assess and approve your clinical competencies throughout the Advanced Clinical Practitioner course.