Advanced Clinical Skills (PGCert) – (Grad.Cert.)

Course Content

The programme consists of two 30 credit modules. On completion of the Certificate, students may be able to progress to the awards of Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Practice (120 credits) or the full MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice (180 credits).

Module 1 (30 credits): History Taking, Examination and Clinical Decision Making I (focus on cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and renal systems)

Module 2 (30 credits): History Taking, Examination and Clinical Decision Making II (focus on musculoskeletal and neurological systems)

Course Structure
Modules 1 and 2 can also be accessed on a stand-alone basis. These modules will equip students with the knowledge and skills to: * take and present a systematic clinical history
* carry out a comprehensive physical examination
* apply the findings of the history and examination to clinical decision-making
* critically appraise the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of advanced practitioners.

The emphasis will be on the assessment of practical knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to the workplace. The modules will be assessed by a variety of methods. These will include Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCES) and written examinations.

Modules
History taking, examination and clinical decision making IUsing the cardiovascular, respiratory and ear nose and throat (ENT), gastrointestinal, endocrine and renal systems as the context, this module will equip students with the skills to: * Take and present a systematic clinical history;
* Carry out a comprehensive physical examination;
* Apply the findings of the history and examination to clinical decision-making.

The module will also equip students with the knowledge and skills to critically appraise the professional, ethical and legal responsibilities associated with expanded roles and advanced clinical practice. History taking, physical examination and clinical decision making IIUsing the musculoskeletal and nervous systems as the context, this module will equip the students with the skills to: * take and present a systematic clinical history
* carry out a comprehensive physical examination
* apply the findings of the history and examination to clinical decision-making

The module will also equip students with the knowledge and skills to critically appraise the professional, ethical and legal responsibilities associated with expanded roles and advanced clinical practice. Key facts
* We are the largest School of Nursing in the UK
* We have 300 academic and support staff, and over 3,500 students
* We are rated as one of the top five places to study nursing in the Guardian´s University Guide 2009
* We achieved the best possible outcome in all categories in the last independent assessment of our teaching