Advanced clinical practice apprenticeship is on the cards

^{Existing physios will be able to study to master’s degree level while still working if the advanced clinical practice apprenticeship goes ahead. Photo: Nathan Clarke}

This will offer existing health care professionals, including physios, the chance to study at master’s degree level.

Once developed, the apprenticeship will provide the opportunity for a work-based route into advanced clinical practice roles. This will be supported by access to modules delivered by higher education institutions.

The prospect of this latest apprenticeship emerged last month in a government announcement. It follows plans announced earlier in the year to develop a BSc degree level apprenticeship that will enable people to enter physiotherapy through a work-based route.

The new Institute for Apprenticeships will need to approve the plans for the latest apprenticeship. The apprenticeship standard and assessment will be drawn up by a trailblazer group, led by the Birmingham-based Heart of England NHS Trust and supported by higher education institutions.

The CSP wants to exert a strong influence on how the apprenticeship standard is developed.

Commenting on the development, Sally Gosling, CSP assistant director of practice and development, said: ‘The ACP apprenticeship should provide a significant and genuinely new way of developing the physiotherapy workforce and maximising the profession’s contribution to patient care.’

She added: ‘It should enhance opportunities for members’ professional development in ways that are responsive to changing models of service delivery and changing workforce and skills needs.’