Course Details

First contact practitioners (FCPs) work as diagnostic clinicians at the first point of contact in primary care. The University of Bolton's PgCert First Contact Practitioner in Primary Care is ideal if you're an experienced allied health professional seeking to become an FCP. To complete this course, you must undertake a minimum of 75 hours of clinical practice learning in primary care under the supervision of a suitably qualified clinical mentor.

Our expert team will focus on helping you do what you do best – caring for patients. This clinically-focused postgraduate course supports you in developing the knowledge and skills essential to directly care for patients or take on senior clinical roles. It dispenses with traditional modules on research methods, professional development planning and leadership, replacing them with modules directly relevant to patient care. If you seek answers to questions such as "Why is this patient's inflammatory marker raised?" or "How do I manage a patient presenting with chronic pain and showing signs of depression?" this is the course for you. Built around clinical problems, patient journeys, and case studies, this course takes a problem-solving approach to clinical learning, helping you develop the skills you’ll need in practice.

Worth 60-credits at the postgraduate level, this PgCert incorporates two modules. The 40-credit First Contact Practice in Primary Care module is core to this programme. It will support you in developing the advanced clinical thinking, clinical reasoning, and higher-level clinical practice skills demanded for the FCP role. Our experienced and supportive team will help you build the knowledge and understanding needed to assess and diagnose issues, advise patients on managing their conditions, and refer them to specialist services when necessary. We'll emphasise communication and consultation skills, promote your understanding of the primary care landscape, referral pathways and processes, and consider the implications for patients and staff in secondary and tertiary care. You'll also explore the clinical and safeguarding issues for vulnerable groups and discuss patient safety, service development and innovation.

In addition, you’ll choose a 20-credit option module that complements your professional interests and prior experience. We offer a range of option modules that will enhance your understanding of first contact practice. For instance, you can further develop your clinical practice or clinical examination skills, or build your knowledge of areas such as geriatric, respiratory or acute medicine. If more than one of these modules meets your career development goals, rest assured you can continue your studies in any of these areas after completing your PgCert because all the option modules are available as stand-alone professional development courses.