Role overview: What is an advanced clinical practitioner?

Advanced clinical practice allows healthcare professionals from a range of disciplines to manage complex clinical care across different settings with the aim to deliver high quality treatment to patients. Advanced clinical practice is a specialised level of practice within various clinical professions, including nursing, pharmacy, paramedics, and occupational therapy.  

In this guide, we will expand on the role of an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP), the differences between ACPs and other roles, how to become an ACP and the salary for this position.

What is an advanced clinical practitioner? 

Advanced clinical practitioner is an umbrella term for different roles that comes under advanced clinical practice in the NHS. ACPs are educated to a master’s degree level and operate across different healthcare settings. They may have a background in and specialise in professions such as nursing, pharmacy, paramedics or occupational therapy.  

The role of an ACP is tailored to the needs of their employer. Their position may align with a nationally recognised role or emerge from a unique job description to meet the specific requirements of a service. ACPs enhance the capacity and capability of multi-professional teams by supporting existing clinical care. To be effective, ACPs must develop skills across various patient pathways and clinical areas, in addition to their core specialty. 

The four pillars of advanced clinical practice 

The four pillars of advanced clinical practice provide a standard of skills and knowledge that underpins the work of ACPs. They are leadership, clinical practice, research, and education. The multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England sets out definition, standards including the pillars, and governance for advanced clinical practice, ensuring national consistency and clarity for practitioners, staff, education providers, and employers. 

Here is a summary of the four pillars of advanced practice: 

• Leadership – ACPs act as role models in their healthcare facility. They must demonstrate leadership and resilience to be able to manage difficult and unpredictable situations. 
• Clinical practice – ACPs should be able to perform at a scope of practice that ensures patients receive high quality and safe care.  
• Research – The practice of an ACP should be informed by their findings, so they can ensure they are always improving their work.  
• Education – Continues learning and development is important for ACPs at all levels, informing best practices and to helping them with their growth. 

What are the duties of an advanced clinical practitioner? 

ACPs carry out a variety of duties to deliver high quality care to patients. Some of their main duties include: 

• Assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating treatment/interventions and care for patients with complex needs  
• Providing information and advice for prescribed and over the counter medication, side effects and instructions for taking 
• Supporting patients to introduce wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle into their lives 
• Offering support for women, as well as their families, for sexual health needs and family planning 
• Identifying and assessing patients who are presenting with mental health needs  
• Administering vaccinations and taking part in immunisation programmes for adults and children

Depending on your role and background, you may have to perform other tasks and responsibilities. 

How does an advanced clinical practitioner compare to other roles?

Advanced clinical practitioner vs doctor 

ACPs and doctors have a similar level of responsibility, however, they are mostly different in their training and approach to their work. Advanced clinical practice is a newly emerging area in the NHS that allows healthcare professionals develop their skills and knowledge from their previous medical background. This requires them to complete additional training, in the form of a master’s degree, whereas doctors specialise in their role from the start of their medical training. Because of the range of settings that ACPs can work in, they often work alongside doctors and can sometimes help bridge the gap during doctor shortages. 

Advanced clinical practitioner vs advanced nurse practitioner

Put simply, advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) are a type of advanced clinical practitioner. They are experienced nurses who have undergone additional training to acquire a master’s degree and elevate their professional practice to an advanced level. ANP is an established role within the NHS, which can sometimes lead to confusion when it is described as an ACP. ANPs often work as part of an established medical unit or may be in a multidisciplinary team that supports a ward.  

Find out how to become an advanced nurse practitioner in our blog. 

How to become an advanced clinical practitioner 

Becoming an ACP can provide you with a very rewarding career, offering professional development, increased autonomy and responsibilities, and attractive pay. To become an ACP, you need to: 

• Hold an undergraduate degree in your area of practice or health-related subject 
• Be registered as a healthcare practitioner with 2-4 years of post-qualification experience 
• Complete a recognised master's degree course or equivalent level 7 qualification in advanced clinical practice

Most master’s degree courses will only accept you if you have a relevant undergraduate degree and work experience. However, make sure to check, as each educational institution will set its own specific conditions for entry. Consider that not every area of practice will have the scope for the role of an advanced clinical practitioner, so it’s best to find out if your profession can be practiced at an advanced clinical level.  

What are the skills of a good advanced clinical practitioner?

ACPs are experienced professionals within their area of practice. Their advanced skill set and training qualify them for their multi-professional role. The skills expected from an ACP may include: 

How much does an advanced clinical practitioner earn? 

An advanced clinical practitioner's salary typically falls within band 7 or band 8a, depending on their qualifications and experience. Newly qualified advanced clinical practitioners with a master’s level qualification are generally offered a band 7 starting salary. 

Depending on the amount of experience and any other qualifications you complete, your ACP role may attract a band 8a salary. This is also dependents on the NHS trust you work for and the location of your work. 

 Advanced nurse practitioner opportunities with GP World 

GP World is a leader in primary care networks in the UK. Our dedicated recruitment teams excel in identifying and placing highly skilled nurse practitioners, ensuring swift staffing solutions and comprehensive coverage nationwide. If you are looking for advanced clinical practitioner roles, browse our ACP job listings or register with us to be notified of the latest opportunities.