:format(webp)/799x0:4001x3202/prod01/channel_5/courses/media/maynooth/content-assets/course-images/Branded20Jumper.jpg)
CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
- Qualification
- Certificate
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH72O
- Award Type and NFQ level
- CERTIFICATE LEVEL 9
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 31 December 2026
Overview
Advanced health assessment and physical examination skills are considered critical for patient safety, improving patient outcomes and overall quality of care. This programme is targeted at experienced health professionals who want to acquire additional systematic and structured history-taking, health assessment and physical examination skills. It is relevant to clinically based nurses who want to apply advanced health assessment and physical examination skills in their practice and nurses who are working towards taking on advanced practice roles, for example, Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Nurse Prescriber. The programme is a Level 9, 10 credit, single module programme delivered over one academic semester. A blended learning approach will be used to deliver this programme. This will involve the delivery of online lectures and facilitated in-person sessions in the Clinical Skills Laboratory in the School of Nursing in Maynooth University.
This programme is delivered using a blended learning format; to fully participate in the programme applicants must have access to a PC/ Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection. Applicants should have good IT skills.
Course structure
Duration: 1 semester
The programme is a Level 9 (Masters Level), 10 credit, single module programme delivered using blended learning over one academic semester. Students are required to attend weekly lectures online and attend a number of facilitated sessions in the Clinical Skills Laboratory in Maynooth University.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
A module on advanced health assessment and physical examination skills is a required element of Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Prescribing programmes. Outside of these programmes, registered nurses opt to take this module to enhance their health assessment and physical examination skills and/or for continuing professional development purposes.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in general, psychiatric, children's or intellectual disability nursing.
Applicants must be a registered nurse on the live Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). In addition, applicants must have a minimum of one-year post registration clinical experience within the last five years and be currently employed in health care provision or education.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- NMBI Registration
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.