Principles of Physical Assessment

Overview

Gain the physical examination skills you need to enhance patient care and optimise service provisions in your role as a nurse or health professional.

During this module you will compare normal and abnormal findings from physical examination of a broad range of areas, including skin, nails, head, hair, eyes, ears, nose, throat and neck, while also exploring the physical assessments involved in the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardio, peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal and neurological systems.

With the experts at Staffordshire University, you will also explore mental health assessments and get to get to grips with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to take a comprehensive history and physical examination of the adult patient.

Delivery method

The module is delivered as a day in university, per week, for the first 11 weeks. You then have a period of 12 weeks to consolidate your theoretical learning in clinical practice. You need to spend a minimum of 30 clinical learning hours in practice that have been signed off by your preceptor. These 30 hours must be accounted for in a learning log to be submitted with the practice assessment document.

In addition to these logged clinical hours, these 24 weeks comprise:

  • 37 hours theory. This contact time includes that spent in the classroom or accessing directed activities in the virtual learning environment (Blackboard™).
  • 83 hours independent study. This total is indicative of the amount of time required for reading around the topic, any assignment work and any clinical experience outside that completed with mentor. These hours do not need to be evidenced.
Academic credits
20
Delivery method
On campus
Location
Centre for Health Innovation Stafford
Duration

Every Tuesday for 11 weeks

Start date

Term 1: Tuesday 9 September 2025

Term 2: Tuesday 6 January 2026

Term 3: Tuesday 21 April 2026

School
Health, Science and Wellbeing

Entry requirements

Students will require a preceptor to support them through this module. This should be a GP or hospital consultant/registrar/staff grade or ANP (who has been assessed as competent in physical examination). Students will also need the support of their line manager and a minimum of three years in current working practice.

Fees

£975.00

Staff

Jennifer Hughes

Lecturer

I have been working in healthcare since 2007, with extensive experience across emergency medicine, minor injuries, mental health, learning disabilities, and health assessment. My primary area of clinical expertise is in accident and emergency.

Jennifer's profile

Elizabeth Powell

Lecturer

How to apply

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