Degree Apprenticeship Experience

The Advanced Clinical Practitioner Masters Apprenticeship has been really good, I’ve really enjoyed the course content, in particular the clinical assessment skills with my background of being a physio. I’ve come into the course with a stronger baseline knowledge in neuro, MSK and respiratory but getting exposure to cardiology, cranial nerves and ENT was all very new but made sense over time and with practice.

I’ve been quite lucky in the support I’ve received from my lead and manager with balancing a full-time job and studying. It’s been important for me to have regular meetings with my line manager as the programme has progressed. She has taken on my advice and feedback, so I’m able to develop my clinical skills and put them into practice within my own team. I’ve also had the opportunity to go out to different departments and GP surgeries which enabled me to become a competent Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

The Support from the University

My skills coach was brilliant in talking me through what I need to prioritise and how to structure my workload. The help from the University and Programme Leads has also been brilliant and supportive. They are always available to answer questions. Also, the individual tutors for specialist clinical skills bring such a breadth of knowledge and experience.

The University is really organised - all the resources and systems are easily accessible online, whether it be on my phone or laptop.

Advice for future degree apprentices

At the end of the two years, you’re a qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner, but realistically that learning is going to continue for years to come as you add to the skills you’ve gained from the Degree Apprenticeship.

Give yourself time to embed into your role or Trust and don’t put yourself under too much undue pressure. Be structured; I’ve found online learning works best for me as I’ve been able to study when I’m most productive.

My main advice would be to practise regularly, the more you do the more you’ll be able to pick up new skills from the course, but most importantly, enjoy the course!