Anaesthesia Associate Postgraduate Diploma
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-04-01 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
This 12-block program trains students to become Anaesthesia Associates, who assist in critical care and anaesthesia. Students engage in directed self-study, small group teaching, clinical skills practice, and workplace experience. Upon completion, graduates will be employed by the sponsoring Trust and sit for a final OSCE exam at the Royal College of Anaesthetists in London.
Program Outline
Outline:
- The program consists of 12 two-month blocks of teaching, each lasting approximately 35 days.
- Each block is broken down into:
- Directed self study – 70 hours
- Small group teaching – 14 hours
- Clinical skills teaching – 21 hours
- Workplace experience – 140 hours
- The blocks are as follows:
- Block 1 – Introduction to clinical practice (1)
- Block 2 – Introduction to clinical practice (2)
- Block 3 – Introduction to anaesthesia
- Block 4 – Physics in anaesthesia
- Block 5 – The anaesthesia machine and monitoring
- Block 6 – The heart and circulation
- Block 7 – The airways and lungs
- Block 8 – The kidneys, liver, endocrine system and blood
- Block 9 – The brain and nervous system
- Block 10 –Clinical history and examination
- Block 11 –Management of life-threatening emergencies
- Block 12 –Advanced practice
Assessment:
- Students attend the University for an induction day, exams and the mock OSCE.
- The final OSCE examination takes place at the Royal College of Anaesthetists in London.
Teaching:
- The program is delivered through a combination of:
- Directed self study
- Small group teaching
- Clinical skills teaching
- Workplace experience
Careers:
- Anaesthesia Associates are part of the multi-disciplinary anaesthesia team, led by a consultant anaesthetist, that looks after patients undergoing many aspects of critical care.
- Graduates of the program will be employed by the Trust they apply to, and their employment will continue throughout the duration of the course.
Other:
- The program is part of a structured training programme for the role of Anaesthesia Associate.
- To find out more about the role of an Anaesthesia Associate, visit the NHS Health Careers pages.
- Further information on the role of Anaesthesia Associates is available on the website of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA).
This programme is part of a structured training programme for the role of Anaesthesia Associate. It is fully funded by the individual NHS Trust that supports Anaesthesia Associate training. 2024/25 UK: the course fees are £7,020 per student per year which are funded through the NHS Trust. This includes: On-line handbooks On-line tutorial plans On-line electronic lectures On-line Canvas discussion boards Academic tutor support 8-month MCQ Exam 24-month MCQ Exam
University of Birmingham Summary
Overview:
The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a strong focus on research and innovation. It is committed to developing solutions for a thriving planet and improving the health of people around the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Birmingham offers a welcoming environment for students, with opportunities to settle in, make new friends, discover the city of Birmingham, and prepare for their studies. The university also has a vision for its campus development in the next 20 years, aiming to enhance and refine the global campuses.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Impact:
The university's research is focused on addressing major global issues, such as climate change and global health.Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
The university encourages collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation and find solutions to complex problems.Pioneering Breakthroughs:
The university is known for its pioneering research and breakthroughs in various fields.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has five research challenge themes that guide its focus and draw on its vast expertise and resources. These themes showcase the university's pioneering breakthroughs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and significant global impact.
Entry Requirements:
This programme is open to applicants from two different routes: Registered health care practitioners (eg, nurses, operating department practitioners) require one or both of the following: At least three years’ full-time, post-qualification work experience in a relevant area. A first degree in a health-related subject New entrants to health care (graduates or graduate equivalent) require: A biomedical science or biological science background Preferably a second-class Honours degree or better, or other evidence of recent and successful academic activity
