Postgraduate Diploma Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice (Hand Therapy)

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice (Hand Therapy) is a CPD pathway designed for Hand Therapy clinicians seeking advanced practice. The program equips students with advanced clinical skills, research analysis abilities, and leadership capabilities in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, preparing them for roles as Advanced Clinical Practitioners or First Contact Practitioners. Delivered flexibly through remote learning and in-person tutorials, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and is accredited by the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT).

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice (Hand Therapy) is a part-time CPD pathway designed for clinicians specializing in Hand Therapy who wish to advance their practice. The program aims to:

• Provide a critical understanding of key concepts underlying advanced musculoskeletal practice.
• Offer the opportunity to acquire advanced musculoskeletal clinical skills beyond the normal professional scope of practice.
• Encourage contributions to policy-making, planning, and evaluation.
• Ensure the acquisition of transferable employment-related skills.
• Equip students with the skills to access and critically appraise research findings to develop evidence-based practice.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Total Credits: 120
• Modules:
• SE714: Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapy (15 credits):
This module focuses on the theory and practice of soft tissue and joint injection therapy.
• SE717: Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment (15 credits): This module delves into advanced assessment techniques, including the use of diagnostic tools like radiographic imaging and laboratory investigations.
• SE783: Current Concepts in Upper Limb Rehabilitation (15 credits): This module explores current concepts in upper limb rehabilitation, aligning with the Multi-professional Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) framework.
It emphasizes the development of advanced practice skills for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) working in the musculoskeletal field.
• SE784: Medication Use in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (15 credits): This module focuses on the impact of medication on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly for clinicians working in primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
It covers the legal and professional framework surrounding medicines legislation.
• SE731: Leading change in healthcare (30 credits): This module explores leadership and change management within the healthcare context.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Remote study using e-learning technology (Moodle): This allows students to study flexibly from their own locations.
• Remote tutorials via Zoom: This provides opportunities for interactive learning and engagement with tutors.
• In-person tutorials: These are offered for specific modules and provide opportunities for hands-on learning and discussion.
The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified tutors, including:
• Sarah Golding: Accredited Hand Therapist
• Other injecting practitioners and therapists with a special interest in the upper limb: This ensures a diverse range of expertise and perspectives.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for advanced practice roles in Hand Therapy, including:

• Advanced Clinical Practitioner: This role involves providing specialized care and management for patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions.
• Research: Graduates may pursue research careers in the field of Hand Therapy.

Other:

• The program is committed to embedding the NHS Constitution Values into its delivery.
• The program emphasizes the importance of involving service users, experts by experience, carers, and NHS
  on-NHS professionals in the creation and delivery of its programs.
• The program is delivered by the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, which provides access to internationally recognized research and placement opportunities.
• The program is accredited by the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT).
• The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to individual clinical, professional, and personal circumstances.
• The program prioritizes enabling study and minimizing barriers for students.
• The program is delivered on the Colchester Campus, which is located within 200 acres of award-winning parkland and is easily accessible from London and Stansted Airport.
• The program offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the Colchester Campus.
• The program is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive student community.
• The program is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as strikes, staff illness, or natural disasters.
• The program offers a Postgraduate Certificate and MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice (Hand Therapy).