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Development programmes

Professional Advocate & Professional Nurse Advocate Programme

Train to become a Professional Advocate or Professional Nurse Advocate with this online Level 7 course, designed to build leadership skills that will assist in creating a workplace culture which leads to improved outcomes for staff, patients and their families.

About this course

This 20-credit level 7 (masters) online course prepares you to become a Professional Advocate (PA) or Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA), developing your role to support and lead the healthcare workforce into the future.

This is a stand-alone course for post registration continuing professional development. The course runs online for 10 weeks of teaching content and 2 weeks of assessment preparation time, before the final assessment is due.

Study days are held once a week. This normally includes weekly online attendance at live webinars, engagement with online discussions, and directed study tasks. These activities are designed to support learners to build their final assignment.

Who is the course for?

Applicants must be supported by their manager/organisation and motivated to attend and complete the course online, which includes self-directed study and reading.

The course is designed for those who hold an active NMC/HCPC registration or suitable UK PRSB qualification (employed within a clinical healthcare role).

For some, course attendance is required to fulfil career development and progression, embark on further master’s studies, or as a job specification requirement (PA/PNA).

What are the course aims?

This course aims to provide participants with the opportunity to examine the theories that underpin the A-EQUIP model (NHS England, 2017) and apply their new knowledge within a healthcare practice setting.

Explore the role and responsibilities of the PA/PNA which is underpinned by the ‘A-EQUIP’ model of supervision and support. A-EQUIP is an acronym for advocating for education

and quality improvement, which was initially developed for use by Midwives to replace their statutory supervision process (NHS England, 2017).

Understanding the course contents will help participants to develop skills in leadership, higher order communication, restorative supervision and practice. This will facilitate a cultural shift, resulting in a more resilient and compassionate workforce - ultimately leading to improved quality of patient care.

Entry Requirements

What do I need?

This course is accessible to those who hold an active NMC/HCPC registration or suitable UK PRSB healthcare qualification.

This is a master’s level 7 course. Learners must provide evidence of holding a level 6 qualification or above (per standard 4.15 of The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies.)

Those without level 6 study must provide evidence of prior learning and where approved, we can support applicants to attain the skills and knowledge to study at level 7. If you do not have level 6 study, please get in touch to discuss your options with us.

Typical offer

Flexible

Contact us to find out more

Fees & Funding

How much is it?

£1,461 

Applications will require funding permissions from your manager, unless you are self-funding. Please contact admissions if you require further information on this. 

Standard Tuition Fee

£1,461

20 credit module

Ready to get started?

Take the next step in your professional development and apply now for the Level 7 Professional Advocate & Professional Nurse Advocate.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the programme in more detail, we’re here to help.

Module leaders:

  • Lisa Jennison
  • Jayne Walker
An Adult Nursing student in a white uniform sitting in front of the university's health building on campus