Routes for support workers to become registered practitioners

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Case study : HCSW career progression to registered practitioner

Amy Finlayson shares her career journey as a HCSW in Physio at Home Team. Hear how the job and ongoing development through modern apprenticeship and SVQ and the support from her team gave her the skills and confidence needed to pursue a physiotherapy degree.

Watch Amy's story 

Video transcript available on request - hcsw@nes.scot.nhs.uk

Resources

There are a number of opportunities for you to use your valuable experience as a support worker to become a registered practitioner. All of these routes involve formal education with a University or College to gain the underpinning knowledge and skills required to be registered.    

The NES NMAHP Development Framework is an overarching resource comprising of two linked components - the Healthcare Support Workers Development and Education Framework and the NMAHP Post-registration Development Framework.  Bridging from support worker (Level 2-4) to Level 5 practitioner requires a programme of education leading to professional registration in one of the healthcare professions.  

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a way of recognising work-based learning and life experiences to support career development.  Learning providers such as Colleges and Universities can assess your evidence to see how much academic credit you can use towards your planned learning. Watch this short animation for more information. 

These routes have become clearer for entry to nurse education as illustrated in this infographic.  For allied health professions, there is a direct route for occupational therapy, but for other professions it may not be so clear, we recommend having an early conversation with the University providing the programme you are interested in.   

Some programmes will allow you to remain in post as a support worker, for example the Open University nursing programmes.  It is a big step to take, therefore speaking to support workers who have taken this route, your line manager, practice educators and practice development teams to gain as much information is important.  Discussing your aspirations and seeking support from family and friends can be helpful.