This part-time course, the first of its kind in the world, provides an opportunity for nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrists to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for working in extended and specialist roles in rheumatology, with a particular emphasis on inflammatory arthritis. It is aimed at allied health professionals (AHPs) who are new, or relatively new, to working in extended or specialist roles.
Extended and specialist roles of AHPs in rheumatology are developing widely. They are valued by other clinicians working within the multidisciplinary team and are highly regarded by people with arthritis. Extended and specialist roles require expert clinical skills in the assessment of disease, in the education of patients and in the ongoing care and management of people with arthritis.
Our current student group includes nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists. Experience ranges from between one and 18 years in rheumatology, with an average of five years, and they are a mix of extended role and specialist therapy practitioners. All are finding that their clinical practice is developing, as is applying evidence and theory in practice. Modules to date are highly evaluated by students.
Professional accreditation
The course has been researched and written by practitioners working with arc, the Arthritis Research Campaign, following extensive consultation amongst nurses, other AHPs and rheumatologists.
Course structure
The course is modular and largely based on self-directed independent study. Students must have access to a networked computer in order to access studentCentral, the university's virtual learning environment.
Students choose a teaching centre in either the north or south of the UK, whichever is more convenient for them geographically, and attend study blocks of two or three days for five of the modules.
Career and progression opportunities
The course is designed to meet the training needs of practitioners who wish to practise, or are practising, in extended and specialist therapy roles. It will also be particularly helpful for AHPs working in musculoskeletal triage services. The course development is in accord with the NHS Agenda for Change and successful completion of study is likely to enhance the progression of clinicians up the Agenda for Change career ladder and advance them towards meeting Knowledge and Skills Framework requirements.
A masters course in advanced practice is planned for the future.
