Universities ‘excited to be trail blazers’ of NMC’s new advanced practice principles

Experienced nurses and midwives are increasingly taking on complex, autonomous and expert roles commonly referred to as ‘advanced practice’. But it’s unclear whether people who use services and the public understand the advanced practitioner’s role and what it means for them.

That is why the new principles include a definition of advanced practice that is clear to the public. The principles also outline what is expected of organisations who employ individuals working at an advanced level, to enable advanced practice to thrive. This covers organisations across health and social care, including education institutions and research organisations.

Education and research are two of the four pillars of advanced practice. Therefore, NMC approved education institutions (AEIs) will play a vital role in providing environments where nurses and midwives can develop and demonstrate their enhanced knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Many universities that are delivering advanced practice programmes are now exploring how the principles can be integrated into their curricula, faculty development and partnership arrangements with local health and social care providers.

Insights from the early adopters of the principles will help to inform future standards of proficiency and associated programme standards for advanced practice – due to begin development in 2027.

Jason Pritchard, Programme Director MSc Advanced Clinical Practice at the University of Birmingham, said:

“Undoubtedly, being included as an early adopter of the Advanced Practice principles will enable the University of Birmingham to align our robust curriculum and associated governance processes with those prerequisite AP programme standards.

“The future requirement of successfully completing an NMC approved education programme will ensure that the required standards of proficiency are both understood and attained.”

Gilly Scott, programme lead for MSc Advanced Clinical Practice at Wrexham University, explains what the principles mean for her university:

“There's a lot of excitement that we will be early trail blazers of the principles. We presented them at the start of the module and they were received well by students.

"Using the principles, I can structure my curriculum, ensure governance, and prepare for our revalidation processes.

“We’re also currently changing our programme title from ‘Advanced Clinical Practice’ to ‘Advanced Practice’ to encourage those who don't feel they work in a clinical environment to apply."

To support implementation, the NMC has established a dedicated community of practice for higher education institutions. This forum provides early adopters with a space to share learning, highlight good practice, discuss challenges and come up with innovative solutions.

Over the next 12 months, this collaborative approach will help ensure consistency, quality, and alignment across advanced practice education.

Prof Donna O’Boyle, Acting Executive Director of Professional Practice at the NMC, said:

“It’s great to see so many universities leading the way in adopting our Principles for Advanced Practice. Education and research are two of the four pillars of advanced practice, so it’s vital that higher education institutions provide environments where advanced practice can flourish.

“Across the UK, we’ve heard a clear message that advanced practice education needs greater clarity, consistency, and support. Embedding these principles is a crucial step towards delivering high-quality, consistent advanced practice education.

“The insight from early adopters will be hugely valuable for shaping the future of advanced practice and helping nurses and midwives develop the specialist expertise to meet the increasingly complex needs of the people they care for.”

Other recent news…