CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)-Plans for the next academic year.

The teaching staff are now beginning to return to the School to resume their academic activities. They are working at a pace to change the way we deliver our courses. Moving forward, we will be using blended and e-learning methods. We aim to roll out the modules, which were postponed during the initial stages of COVID-19, in a phased approach, starting in September 2020, over an eight-month period. This is in line with Health Education England (HEE) who have proposed an extension to the education contract period. This is to allow time for the recovery of commissions that were postponed due to the pandemic.

As you will recognise because of COVID-19, plans are constantly changing so we will, as the situation evolves, endeavour to keep you informed. The health and wellbeing of our staff and students are our absolute priority.

If you do have any questions or concerns, please refer to our Student Q&A page or contact us at Student Support Services for more information.

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The Royal Marsden

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Postgraduate Diploma in Cancer Care: Advanced Practice

Practical training for those who aspire to advanced practitioner roles.Validated by the University of East Anglia.

Duration

2 years part-time

Academic credits and level

120 credits at level 7

Start date

Postponed due to COVID-19

Pathway structure

All modules are 15 credits unless otherwise stated

Is this course right for me?

This course is for clinical nurse practitioners who want to develop their specialist skills and education in cancer care. The postgraduate diploma is designed to support those working at a senior level in preparation to prescribe treatments and work more independently.

You will need:

a recognised health-related professional qualification and current professional registration
a relevant honours degree – if you do not hold this qualification, please contact us for advice
at least two years' full-time experience, or the equivalent in part-time hours, working in health or social care
two years' post-qualifying experience working with cancer patients and their carers
competency in written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent)
specific requirements and entry criteria apply to some modules

Since taking the course, I have been able to apply my new skills on a daily basis and assess my patients in a much more thorough way. I am more confident in my clinical practice as a result

Beverley McDermott, critical care outreach sister, on the Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning module

What will I learn?

This is a very practical course that directly translates into better care for your patients. The ‘hands-on’ training will build on your existing skills, while the optional modules allow you to study different professional and clinical subjects that you’re interested in.

The advanced practice course includes:

physical assessment and examination
clinical reasoning
early and effective cancer diagnosis
prescribing
complex care planning
critical analysis of structured history taking
the evidence base for practice
clinical leadership

Students tell us they particularly enjoy practising on each other to better understand anatomy and physiology. We also use the simulation lab to practise different scenarios and emergency situations, followed up with staff feedback, to help build confidence.

Small classes sizes (up to 18 people) mean our expert lecturer practitioners spend more time with students, offering greater support. Our relationship with The Royal Marsden means you’ll be also taught by working clinical specialists, so the course covers the most up-to-date treatments and research in current cancer care.

The Postgraduate diploma is awarded by the University of East Anglia. You can choose to build on your diploma and convert it into an MSc by completing a dissertation.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary depending on which optional modules you decide to take. The flexible nature of the course means it cannot be paid for as a whole pathway, so please purchase the individual modules you would like to study during an academic pathway. Module fees may increase in the following academic years.

You can apply for modules on the programme on a stand-alone basis. If successful these will be added to your programme when you enrol.

Modules

Year one

Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning – (30 credits)
Critical Reflection in Clinical Practice
Optional module 1

Year two

Optional Modules

This pathway is in association with:

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