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Higher and Degree Apprenticeships / Available Apprenticeships / Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship

About the course

The programme has been carefully developed in consultation with local stakeholder organisations and is reflective of the vision for Advanced Practice in the NHS Long Term Plan (2019) and the NHS Workforce Plan (2023). The course curriculum is underpinned by the principles and guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH), NHS England (NHSE) formerly Health Education England (HEE), and Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA).

Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship helps experienced clinicians develop skills in all four areas of Advanced Practice by enhancing knowledge, skills and competence in

  • Clinical practice and diagnostic reasoning
  • Research
  • Education
  • Leadership

This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals currently employed in a role which directly links to the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Standard. Individuals must also have full support of the employing organisation to undertake the apprenticeship.

All successful Apprentices will achieve:

  • MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice
  • Advanced Clinical Practice Degree Apprenticeship

What you will study

The apprenticeship model has been designed to be delivered as a ‘blended learning’ approach which involves accessing learning material through the university’s virtual learning environment, and attending university for lectures, practical workshops and classroom -based activities. This approach caters for different learning needs and seeks to provide a thought-provoking learning experience. Apprentices will be supported and encouraged to develop skills in clinical management and reasoning, each learner will have the opportunity to develop critical reflection as a developmental tool throughout the programme.

Critical reflection is an essential skill which enables practitioners to have the confidence to maximise their learning and professional development to enhance their learning experience and future development. The curriculum has been designed with expert advice from clinicians, academics and local strategic partners to address the academic and clinical demands of the role. This is a Masters level qualification and therefore it is expected that you will take responsibility for devising your own learning plan and accessing support where you require it. 

  • Advanced Health Assessment – 30 credits
  • Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Clinical Practice – 15 credits
  • Advanced Clinical Practice through Leadership (15 credits)

  • Critical Evaluation of Research for Advancing Practice – 15 credits
  • Applied Prescribing (NMC & HCPC Registrants) – 30 credits
  • Pharmacology for Prescribing in Advanced Clinical Practice (NMC & HCPC Registrants) – 15 credits

Or

  • Advancing Health and Professional Practice through Independent Study (15 credits)

The independent study module will be undertaken if the apprentice prior to enrolment for the MSc apprenticeship has successfully completed a professionally regulated prescribing qualification at either level 6 or level 7.

  • Advanced Practice Service Improvement Project – 45 credits
  • End Point Assessment – 20 credits

Portfolio module

All apprentices are required to complete a portfolio which will capture the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed during the programme and in the workplace. Portfolio software is provided by the university to enable the apprentice to demonstrate and collate all required information and evidence that demonstrates their progress in achieving competencies. Training and support is provided to enable the apprentice to feel confident in using this software.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

This is an integrated apprenticeship which incorporates on-programme academic and workplace learning. The EPA is the final module of the programme and the assessment is set by the Institute for Apprenticeships.

The EPA is mandatory, it is the final assessment which is required for the apprentice to complete their studies and be awarded the MSc. The assessment looks to evaluate the apprentices Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours across the 4 pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice and consists of the following elements:

  • Open Book Examination
  • Presentation of Practice

Assessment

This is a Master’s level qualification and it is expected that you will devise a learning plan with your employer with the support of the programme team. 12 weekly tripartite meetings are held with trainee, employer and a member of the programme team to assess progress and implement an action plan for support if indicated. University contact hours in a typical week will be between two and seven hours, usually over the course of one day. 

Entry Requirements

  • Direct entry into the programme is not permitted and apprentices must be recruited by their employers in the first instance.
  • Dual admission procedures are required to ensure that the employer’s recruitment requirements are satisfied, as well as the university’s minimum entry requirements for the academic programme. Apprentices must be approved to undertake the programme by both their employer and the university.
  • Apprentices must have support from their employing organisation to take part / provide input into progress reviews and release the apprentice to attend off-the-job training
  • Apprentices must be registered healthcare professionals with their appropriate professional regulatory body with no restrictions on their practice.
  • Apprentices must have a patient-facing role as a trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner and contracted to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
  • Have a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience
  • Apprentices must hold a UK Honours degree with at least a second-class honour within an appropriate field of healthcare.
  • Apprentices must have attained the required functional skills in English and Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C, or Functional Skills in English and Maths at level 2 and be able to provide evidence of these qualifications) prior to proceeding through the gateway to End Point Assessment (EPA). For apprentices who do not hold level 2 English and Mathematics at the commencement of the programme, there will be an opportunity to complete this within the first 12 months of the programme.
  • If English is not the apprentice's first language, they will need to complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Apprentices must provide an IELTS certificate that confirms an overall score of 7.0, however, a level 6.5 in writing will be accepted alongside a level 7 in reading, listening, and speaking.
  • As part of the university’s onboarding process apprentices must undertake a skills scan and attend a skills scan interview with the programme team at the university. As part of the onboarding process. The skill scan assesses candidates' knowledge, skills, and behaviours of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner ST0564 apprenticeship standard.

Ready to find out how this programme can benefit you?

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Fees and funding

Funding for the apprenticeship is provided through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Aligned to the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard, this programme is allocated a Funding Band of £12,000 by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA).

Take your next steps

If you are an employer

Offering apprenticeships is a great way to attract and retain employees, helping develop their skills and knowledge. If you’re interested in taking on a new apprentice or upskilling existing staff members, contact us to find out more.

If you are an aspiring apprentice

Considering a degree apprenticeship but already employed? Our degree apprenticeships are employer-led, meaning your company invests in your development. Discuss this exciting opportunity with your employer and once you’ve got the go-ahead, contact us to find out more.

If you’d like us to contact your employer on your behalf, just reach out with your employer’s details and permission to contact and we’ll take it from there.

We'll provide clear guidance to both you and your employer, walking you through the application process and everything that comes after.

If you’re not employed you can also find degree apprenticeship vacancies on the – it has more apprenticeship vacancies than any other site.

Key facts

Course title

Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Relevant honours degree (2:2 or above) from a British University or approved equivalent, plus GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or higher

Fees

Funding Band: £12,000