Level 3 and 4 RSPH Diploma Courses & Resources

RSPH Level 3/4 Diploma Courses - University Hospital of North Tees

These courses are primarily based at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton on Tees. Both are modular and involve a number of theory and practical based elements. The theory taught modules will involve 5 visits to the North Tees Centre and will involve the completion of various examinations and course work assignments. Your practical APT skills are taught to you by your own mortuary mentors and these skills will be assessed in your own mortuary by an external assessor (appointed by the North Tees Centre) who meets RSPH & AAPT criteria. You will also be required to complete a portfolio of evidence of your training and competence in practical APT skills.

The course relies heavily on support from a work based mentor so you will need to nominate a mentors… this could be a senior APT with the current Certificate & Diploma, your Mortuary Manager (APT) or a supervising pathologist… we will also work with your mentor, if required, to support them to support you.

The course lecture programme is based on helping trainees to achieve the learning objectives set in the RSPH Level 3 and 4 Diploma syllabus (available online). The course is delivered by dedicated, qualified staff from departments in the Trust such as the Mortuary & Bereavement Service, Histology, Microbiology, Infection Control, the Chaplaincy, the medical staff and many more.

Level 3 Diploma: Unlike its predecessor the new diploma is fully accredited by Ofqual  and will be the first step on the educational ladder in anatomical pathology technology, allowing upon successful completion, APTs to progress to a Level 4 Diploma.

5 x theory modules

• Human Anatomy & Physiology for APTs
• Governance & Administration of mortuary practices
• Health & Safety in the mortuary
• Microbiology & Infection control for APTs
• Principals of effective communication for APTs

5 practical modules are

• Prepare for PM examination
• Assist with PM examination
• Viewing of the deceased
• Preparation and operation of a mortuary
• Effective team working

Level 4 Diploma: The qualification builds up on previous learning and incorporates more quality, managerial and advanced practices and upon successful completion, allows APTs to progress to further qualifications that AAPT is looking to develop.

5 x theory modules

• Common human pathology for anatomical pathology technologists
• Mortuary governance
• Quality management in the mortuary
• Advanced mortuary practice
• Health and safety in the mortuary

5 practical modules are

• Management of mortuary function (s)
• Management of the deceased in the mortuary
• Bereavement support
• Specialist practical mortuary skills
• Deliver and evaluate training in anatomical pathology technology

Candidates will be allocated a space on a first come first serve basis as long as all application requirements are met – those employed as trainee APTs will be given first refusal of a place on the course – we will however, consider those with honorary contracts undertaking a reasonable level of work experience if space is available following consideration of those employed.

For those based outside of the UK it is best to talk to us directly to see if we can accommodate your request for access to the course. These applications will be assessed on an individual basis, with agreement between the centre, the applicant and their home mortuary management team.

Please note the cost of travel and accommodation is not provided in the cost of the course. Accommodation close to the Stockton site is limited and most of our students opt to stay in Hartlepool Marina – this is around 12 miles away but hotels are right next door to the train station, a station on main routes from the North & South - we do provide free return travel to and from the centre for those who stay in the Marina hotels. The Marina complex is close to food outlets / petrol stations and areas for students to socialise.

Useful Links

Portfolio Evidence Guidance

Guidance for Candidates and Mentors

Access the course website for further information and online application.