Training course for health professionals working in rheumatology now recruiting
Nurses and other health professionals who cross professional boundaries and take on extra clinical responsibilities are being offered the chance of much-needed specialist training, with the next cohort of students starting in October 2008.
arc set up the Graduate Certificate in Rheumatology Practice at the University of Brighton in 2005 and this year 11 students successfully completed the course and gained the award.
The innovative, part-time course; the first of its kind to provides an opportunity for busy senior nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrist, who are working or wish to work in extended and specialist roles in rheumatology, is now recruiting students for the next academic year.
The GCRP aims to:
- facilitate the clinical, professional and career development of nurses and other allied health professionals working in rheumatology
- expand skills in delivering holistic, evidence-based, patient-centred, enhanced quality rheumatology service in primary and secondary care
- develop students as independent, self-directed learners
- promote inter-professional understanding and working
- prepare students to be able to advance and disseminate specialist theory and practice
- enable the intellectual development of students and to provide students with the academic requirements to progress to Masters level study.
The course is suitable for all health professionals especially post-registration nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists, who are starting or developing their work in extended roles, clinical specialist and community or primary care practice with people with rheumatic conditions.
What the course involves
Students take a total of six modules (BSc level 3). All modules are delivered through distance learning. Five are studied individually over periods of approximately 18 weeks. Each of these five modules additionally requires attendance for 2–3 days’ teaching at specified rheumatology teaching centres around the UK. The Professional Studies module is entirely distance learning and runs throughout the duration of the course. The on-line and specialist centre experiences promote multidisciplinary and shared learning. Rheumatology specialist mentors provide experiential supervision and academic support.
The entry requirements
Applicants must hold at least either: a diploma or degree qualification in their profession; or RGN and relevant clinical experience working with musculoskeletal conditions is acceptable for nurses. Overseas applicants normally require at least a diploma qualification equivalent to a UK qualification in their profession. In addition, applicants must be registered with their appropriate professional body, have at least two years’ post-registration experience, be currently working for a minimum of four hours per week in clinical practice with people with musculoskeletal conditions, and have an identified mentor within their clinical practice to support their study of the course.
What have students said about the course?
“Examination of joints has been very helpful in ensuring consistency with the recommended guidelines.”
“I have increased confidence to innovate service developments and make practice changes.”
“I have enjoyed meeting everyone and finding out how other Trusts have developed their service... I am constantly learning at work.. The patient education has been useful, as we are developing our service, and I wouldn’t otherwise have researched the theory in the same way… It makes you think more about why you do things.”
“Evidence-based practice has encouraged me to re-evaluate our current education programme and plan the next sessions based on the evidence base and patient need.”
“Using information technology – developed beyond belief!”
“Literature searching is no longer a bore but a challenge!”
Find out more
For further details go to: www.brighton.ac.uk and use the course finder to enter the search term ‘Rheumatology Practice’ or go to: http://courses.brighton.ac.uk/course.php?cnum=675
For a full application pack contact: L.E.Harford@bton.ac.uk or call Lisa Harford (course administrator) on 01273 643772.
