AHP Preceptorship Programme

Welcome to the Midlands AHP Preceptorship Programme. This is provided jointly by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. It is a programme for newly qualified Allied Health Professionals. We understand that the transition from ‘student’ to ‘newly qualified practitioner’ can be a daunting experience, so we have developed this programme to support you at the beginning of your career. Our aim is for you to be come a confident and competent clinician. You will be provided with a portal log in (or portfolio) to provide you with a step by step approach to successfully complete your preceptorship.

What is Preceptorship?

From the moment you register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) you become accountable and are expected to be autonomous with a responsibility to uphold the professional standards set by your professional body and HCPC. Preceptorship is defined by the Department of Health (2010) as ‘a period of structured transition for the newly registered practitioner during which he or she will be supported by a preceptor to develop their confidence as an autonomous professional, refine skills, values and behaviours to continue on their journey of lifelong learning’. It is therefore important that support, supervision and guidance is provided during this crucial time when a newly qualified AHP embarks on their new role at the start of their career. A foundation period (of preceptorship) for practitioners will help them begin their journey from novice to expert, Department of Health (2008).

Eligibility Criteria

The programme welcomes any registered Allied Health Professional who is working in any clinical setting.

These professions include:

• Art Therapists
• Dietitians
• Occupational Therapists
• Operating Department Practitioners
• Orthoptists
• Osteopaths
• Paramedics
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Prosthetists and Orthotists
• Radiographers – Diagnostic and Therapeutic
• Speech and Language Therapists

Any AHP who is entering employment for the first time following professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is eligible – or those who have not yet completed a formal preceptorship programme.

Accessing the Programme

Please contact us.

The programme is available to purchase if your employer or NHS Trust does not currently access the programme. We have a range of package options available.