Advanced Nurse Practitioner PgDip/MSC

Date: 01 September 2011 to 31 August 2014

Location: London South Bank University

This programme provides the opportunity for experienced nurses to develop their knowledge and skills to an advanced level, commensurate with the RCN advanced nurse practitioner competencies (2008) and Department of Health position statement on advanced level nursing (2010). It is accredited by the RCN Accreditation unit which is a quality marker demonstrating that our programme has been rigorously evaluated against 15 standards.

Distinctive features of the programme include:

evolved from the first nurse practitioner programme in the UK
sequencing of modules is designed to support advancement of clinical knowledge and skills during the programme
incorporates non-medical prescribing programme for those students who are not already independent prescribers
teaching is provided by experienced qualified advanced nurse practitioners(ANP), many of whom work regularly in clinical practice
a variety of student–centred, teaching strategies are used, including skills demonstrations and supervised, practical workshops and use of online learning resources
a range of methods assess learning, including health needs assessment leading to development of a service proposal, clinical case analysis, completion of certified clinical hours, a clinically-focused portfolio and practical assessments including OSCE’s (objective structured clinical examination)
guided practice-based learning takes place in the students own workplace, supported by a visit from an ANP mentor.

The programme is open to both graduates and non-graduates with pathways tailored to each group. The length of the programme varies from 18 months to five years depending on prior learning and the students’ desired rate of progression.

Students who are successful in the postgraduate diploma have the option to stop there or progress to dissertation. A choice of approaches to dissertation are offered; empirical research, systematic review or practice project.