Our free CPD webinar – Return to practice – is now available online
Our professional advisors, Damon and Kathryn join RTP supervisor Jessie Snowdon to discuss what the Return to Practice programme involves for both the physiotherapist and the supervisor.
Questions from the webinar- questions not answered on the day
Note: Some questions which didn’t relate to the Board’s role such as applying for jobs have not been answered and may be best directed to the relevant organisations.
How many hours a week do you need to do to keep an Annual Practicing Certificate (APC)?
There is no minimum number of hours physiotherapists are required work each week in order to maintain their APC. If you hold an APC however, one of the requirements is completion of the Boards recertification programme which includes your ongoing CPD, Professional Development Plan, Peer reviews etc.
If you are still registered and hold an APC but are working in a non-clinical environment, is there a time limit before you need an RTP programme if you want to return to full clinical work?
RTP programmes are only required for those who have not held an APC in the last three years. If you’ve continued to hold an APC but are changing areas or fields, for instance from a non-clinical role to a clinical role rather than take part in a formal RTP you’ll need to read and understand the requirements of ‘Physiotherapists practicing in a defined field standard’. This does not require an RTP programme however you will need to plan how your CPD reflects and supports a safe transition into the new area.
Is there a fee involved with the RTP programme?
There is a fee involved in the application process. Please check the fees page for further details. Any further costs are between you and your supervisor.
Do I have to work full time while completing the programme?
There is no requirement to be working full time. Many physiotherapists complete the requirements while working part time. Before the conditions of the supervision are removed however you will be required to ensure all competencies have been met.
Should we be keeping an APC or moving to a non-practicing status? Does it make it any easier to get back into practice?
The are some advantages to maintaining an APC if you aren’t practicing physiotherapy in any capacity however there is no requirement to do so. If you do continue to hold an APC (including the CPD and recertification requirements) you would not need to apply for an RTP programme if you’ve been away from practice for more than three years. You would however be required to still comply with the Practicing in a defined field standard and ensure you have adequate CPD, training and support when returning.
If you change your registration status to non-practicing or choose to remove yourself from the Register completely and don’t hold an APC for more than three years you would need to complete an RTP programme.
What are the main changes to the Return to Practice programme in the past 4-5 years?
The main changes to the Return To Practice process include:
• Updated guidance for supervisors and supervisees on the Board’s webpage
• The application process has been streamlined and moved online. The Board only asks for the information it needs to process your application
• Lowering of the application fee
• Move to more standardised and predictable programmes so supervisors and supervisees know what to expect
• Pre supervision meeting with the Board Secretariat to allow questions and queries to be answered as well as ongoing support during the programme
• The number of documents needing to be submitted to the Board for supervision reports has been decreased
Are there back to basics courses eg uni papers that help with returning?
Not that the Board is aware of. The current programmes the Board utilises are designed in a way that aims to bring physiotherapists to the required standard while they are working.
Are you able to help match a physio wanting to RTP with a local physio in their area? Is there a list of physios actively looking to recruit an RTP physio?
There is not currently a match service available however we would strongly suggest talking to physiotherapy services in your area.
Is there still a requirement for all new/first assessments to be accompanied by the supervisor?
Depending on the programme, there may be a requirement for the supervisor to be onsite or in the same room as the supervisee for a period. In some cases, an initial period of observation by the supervisee may be required. Please check the programme examples on the RTP web page for more details.