PgDip Advanced Critical Care Practitioner

• Enhance your skills, knowledge and career with a course designed specifically for existing advanced critical care practitioners.
• Shape your studies around your existing expertise with our student-centred approach.
• Join a programme developed through a dynamic collaborative relationship between Plymouth University and the NHS, providing opportunities for networking and career development.
• Equip yourself with the skills to be responsive to the ever-changing nature of the healthcare environment. This contemporary and dynamic programme means you can position yourself at the leading edge of critical care practice.
• Update and enhance your skill set thanks to the research-informed teaching embedded throughout our curriculum.
• Benefit from the extensive professional experience of our team, hailing from a diverse range of health and social care environments.

• Programme overview

• Develop your clinical skills, knowledge and competence as a trainee under the supervision of your consultant intensivist, through our integrated approach to teaching. You’ll study modules that combine both theoretical and clinical components, equipping you with the tools you need to excel as an advanced critical care practitioner. In your first year you’ll study 'core skills for advanced critical care practitioners 1', a module which combines eight weeks of taught theory and 27 weeks of associated clinical practice. You’ll build on this existing knowledge in your second year and in addition, explore the topic of non-medical prescribing.

  You have the option to complete the core modules ACCP701 and ACCP702 via distance learning – please contact the Professional Development Unit for further information.
  

  On completion of PgDip, you have the option to enrol onto the MSc Advanced Critical Care Practitioner programme.
  

  Core modules

  • ACCP701 Core Skills for Advanced Critical Care Practitioners 1

    This module aims to equip the Advanced Critical Care Practitioner trainees with the core skills in clinical history taking, examination and applied anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of critical illness. The ACCP will develop advanced clinical decision making skills in the critical care setting to facilitate a high degree of autonomous practice.

  • ACCP701Z Core Skills for Advanced Critical Care Practitioners 1

    This module aims to equip the Advanced Critical Care Practitioner trainees with the core skills in clinical history taking, examination and applied anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of critical illness. The ACCP will develop advanced clinical decision making skills in the critical care setting to facilitate a high degree of autonomous practice.

  • ACCP702 Core Skills for Advanced Critical Care Practitioners 2

    This module extends the knowledge, skills and competencies learned in Core Skills for Advanced Critical Care Practitioners 1. New concepts of specialist intensive care and dealing with complex patients with multiple pathologies will be acquired. The ACCP will develop higher level decision making and diagnostic skills, to enable independent autonomous practice.

  • ACCP702Z Core Skills for Advanced Critical Care Practitioners 2

    This module extends the knowledge, skills and competencies learned in Core Skills for Advanced Critical Care Practitioners 1. New concepts of specialist intensive care and dealing with complex patients with multiple pathologies will be acquired. The ACCP will develop higher level decision making and diagnostic skills, to enable independent autonomous practice.

  • APP745 Research Methodology and Application

    This module develops an understanding of research designs and methods, enables the critically appraisal of evidence and research and introduces the principles of data collection and analysis. This module is delivered via a distance learning approach.

  • HEAD709 NMP: Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Designated Allied Health Professionals

    This short course consists of 39 days over a six month period. It is delivered via a blended learning pathway consisting of 10 face-to-face taught days, one day of examination and 16 self-directed days using a distance learning package. There are an additional 90 hours in practice supported by an Independent Prescriber (doctor). Successful completion will lead to the independent prescribing and supplementary prescribing annotations on the HCPC register.

  • NMP702 Non-Medical Prescribing: Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives

    This short course consists of 39 days over a six month period. It is delivered via a blended learning pathway consisting of 10 face-to-face taught days, one day of examination and 16 self-directed days using a distance learning package. There are an additional 90 hours in practice supported by an Independent Prescriber (doctor). Successful completion will lead to the NMC recordable qualification of Nurse independent and supplementary prescriber.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

PGDip ACCP programme specification 5390

You will normally have a first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above; or European first cycle equivalent plus a professional qualification in health or social care. Individuals without a degree but with appropriate practice-related experience relevant to the programme may be eligible to apply and will normally be required to submit a short piece of writing as part of the admissions process.

• evidence of employment as an Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Trainee from their home trust
• a named consultant intensivist who will be the clinical supervisor
  
• a current live registration with either the Nursing and Midwifery Council (Part 1 or 2) or The Health and Care Professions Council
• three years post-qualifying experience in intensive care
• a satisfactory enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) check
• a satisfactory Occupational Health Clearance.

When to apply

Applications for this programme should be made by the end of July in the academic year that you wish to commence studying. Please check the closing date and apply as early as possible as our programmes are popular.

Apply for this programme

Applications should be made by using the relevant PDF or Word application form.

Postgraduate application form DOC – A  DOC application form for postgraduate students to print, fill in and mail to University

Postgraduate application form PDF – A PDF application form for postgraduate students to print, fill in and mail to University

Printed application forms are also available and can be obtained from the Professional Development Unit. Please send your completed application form to the address or email listed below:

Professional Development Unit
4th floor, Rolle Building
Plymouth University
Drake Circus
Plymouth PL4 8AA

Email: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Tel: +44 1752 586951

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information, to take part in an interview or you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by Plymouth University, please visit our Disability Services website.