MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Programme
Take the leap into advanced level practice to boost your skillset and patient care
Are you ready to build on your existing knowledge, skills and experience, and take on new challenges?
Becoming an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) moves you into a more senior leadership role, let's you gain autonomy at a high level across the four pillars of advanced practice, and enables you to shape patient care by strengthening the healthcare system.
NHS England offer financial support for course fees and supervision and assessment costs to train as an ACP, in line with their NHS Long Term Workforce Plan 2023.
Take the leap on this exciting journey!
Need more information?
What roles can become an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP)?
Any registered healthcare professional who is not a GP or already trained as an ACP, e.g.
Dietician
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Paramedic
Pharmacist
Physiotherapist
Podiatrist
The programme could also apply to those employed as a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner who are not yet enrolled on the course. If you are a Mental Health Practitioner, with a background in a role above, e.g. nursing, then you are also eligible.
Which university should I apply to?
We strongly advise that you choose an NHSE Accredited Programme. There are many universities that run the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice programme, and we recommend you do your research to find the best one that suits your needs – we are also happy to chat through your options with you. Please note that NHSE Midlands only support course funding for universities within the Midlands region.
Examples of universities past Notts trainees have applied to:
Please note you are not restricted to these universities, nor do we show preference to any universities. These are local examples to help you understand different course commitments and eligibility criteria.
What support will I receive throughout the programme?
As part of the funding offer for the training, we support Practices with a grant to deliver dedicated supervision and assessment time for Trainee ACPs. You will also get access to a wealth of student support services via the university. If you are not receiving supervision support, please do get in touch with us.
When do I need to apply by?
Depending on which university you go to will depend on the intake months and these vary across the year.
To receive funding from NHSE Midlands for course funding and support for supervision/assessment, we require expressions of interest by end June (for Autumn course start) and end October (for Jan-Spring starts) each year.
If that date has passed please still get in contact with us to discuss your options and we will also add you to our waiting list for the next course start date.
What should I include in a conversation with my employer?
This is essential before applying for university programmes as your employer needs to be:
Fully involved
In agreement for you to train as an ACP
Required to provide clinical supervision and assessment
Start with your Practice Manager and Practice Partners to ensure that this can be an option. If so, involve your Primary Care ACP Lead in joint conversations. Your employer will need to consider how:
They can support your university and study hours
They can best provide clinical supervision and assessment
Your clinical work can best support your scope of practice, learning, development and clinical competencies / capabilities
What’s the difference between the university entry routes?
The two entry routes are the apprenticeship route and the standard non-apprenticeship (or direct-entry) route.
The main difference is that the apprenticeship route closely ties in the employing organisation with the university studies so they are aware of what is being taught and student progress. They can more easily support the learner along their journey, ensure there is protected learning time, and provide opportunities to gain experience in the workplace that directly ties with the course content. Learners will need to keep a portfolio of evidence as well as finish the course with an additional end point assessment to complete their apprenticeship.
The course content is the same. Both routes will have the course fees fully funded, alongside the funding for supervision and assessment for the Practices to claim.
What are the four pillars of advanced practice?
Clinical practice
ACPs are responsible for and provide high quality, safe and effective person-centred care.
Leadership and management
ACPs are role models within their environment.
Research
ACPs need to inform their practice via research.
Education
ACPs should assess and address learning needs to develop across the four pillars.