The programme facilitates the training and development of the assistant workforce in Rehabilitation Therapy, commonly termed Assistant Practitioners and enables this training to be defined and accredited.

Applicants will be expected to have the equivalent of passes in two subjects at Advanced level, including one subject at A2, supported by passes in three other subjects at GCSE or equivalent.

Prospective students without formal qualifications may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.

All applicants will be interviewed and will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Applicants will demonstrate an understanding of the process of study including the implications of embarking on the programme.
• Applicants will be in employment in an area determined by the exit role and award and their employers will need to be able to offer, with university support, mentoring and learning support in this respect.
• Any offer of a place on this programme will be subject to successful interview, completion of criminal record bureau and medical checks, production of a signed statement of support from employers, a tripartite agreement between manager, programme leader and student, and a named work based mentor.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

• ensure that you acquire and can apply the knowledge and skills in a number of dimensions to achieve the expectations of the role as an assistant practitioner in Rehabilitation Therapy
• develop your knowledge of Rehabilitation Therapy techniques in order to competently perform treatment procedures commensurate within a defined scope of practice
• give a broad perspective of the structure and function of the health service
• ensure that the practical skills required of you are developed to a safe and competent level in the clinical situation
• develop a reflective, critical and flexible approach to Rehabilitation Therapy within the context of the rapid changes occurring in the delivery of healthcare.
• develop those skills required to foster effective communication with professionals, clients, patients and their relatives
• integrate theory and practice, in order that you might acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes identified as appropriate for safe, effective and caring practice.
• develop a patient focused approach to Rehabilitation Therapy
• develop inter-professional co-operation.

Knowledge

• The application of core theoretical concepts and principles underpinning Rehabilitation Therapy.
• Awareness of health policies
• The principles of protocol based assessment and treatment.
• Basic analysis of functional movement including the use of appropriate measurement tools.

Thinking skills

• Awareness of available research, reflecting an evidence based approach to rehabilitation.
• An ability to analyse progress in the management of complex problem situations and refer to relevant registered clinicians appropriately.
• An ability to apply knowledge and techniques to well defined clinical impairments in a safe and professional manner.
• Indications, contra-indications and precautions associated with therapeutic interventions.

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Competent and flexible practice across a range of conditions / problems affecting clients with ongoing functional difficulties; working to established protocols or under the guidance of a registered practitioner.
• An ability to reflect on personal and professional practice and demonstrate self directed learning in relation to rehabilitation of clients with long term conditions.
• Knowledge and application of protocol based assessment and treatment
• An ability to competently and safely contribute to the rehabilitation of clients with functional impairment; working to established protocols/care plans or under the guidance of a registered practitioner.
• An ability to monitor client progress and report appropriately to registered practitioners.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• An ability to relate personal practice to the standards of conduct, performance and ethics.
• Audit, reflect on and review practice.
• Recognise the limits of their practice and when to seek advice.
• Understanding of the part played by other health professionals in healthcare, especially with regard to how they interact with the student’s special area of work.
• Appreciation of and commitment to, the standards of behaviour required of a health service professional.

The typical duration of this programme is two years full-time study. It is possible to study at a slower rate taking fewer modules than the specified ‘normal’, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. We expect that some of our students to make use of this flexibility but it will increase the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year (2 modules in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. Students registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules in the first year and four 20 credit modules plus one 40 credit module in the second year.

Modules are defined as:

• Core – Must be taken
• Option – Select from a range of identified module within the field

In order to gain a Foundation degree you will need to obtain 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one.

Learning and teaching methods are selected on the basis of their appropriateness to the nature of the material being covered.

• A significant proportion of class time will involve practical sessions in which you analyse movement and practise treatment skills using each other as models. This enables you to develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to enhance your development of handling and treatment skills.
• Private study may be facilitated by guidance or work sheets and follow up tutorials and discussions in which you will be given the opportunity to examine and extend your understanding of the concepts covered. Initially you are likely to require greater direction and structure within the learning strategies which will decrease, as you become more adept in taking responsibility for and directing your own learning,
• Lectures are used to both introduce new topics and explore the integration between theory and practice. However, a large proportion of the programme is studied through practical classes and laboratory sessions.
• Seminars and tutorials are used to develop your thinking skills and to provide an opportunity to explore alternative views and ideas.
• Learning through your daily practice is the major method through which you will develop your understanding and application of the principles informing Rehabilitation Therapy.

Knowledge is assessed by

• Coursework assignments
• Practical examinations
• Oral examinations

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Porfolio assignments related to practice based learning
• Presentations to other students and tutors
• Problem solving activities

Practical skills are assessed by

• Practice within the clinical setting
• Examination

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Practice within the clinical setting
• Presentations to other students