Department of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work
A flexible route to NHSE recognition as a Musculoskeletal First Contact Practitioner (FCP) in Primary Care
With an established reputation for running successful NHS England (NHSE) approved First Contact Practitioner (FCP) short courses, the University of Hertfordshire has again been awarded a contract by NHSE to offer fully funded training for registered Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practitioners, Paramedics, Occupational Therapists and Dietitians.
Why should you study?
FCP roles are integral to providing a sustainable and effective workforce, optimising patient care pathways and ensuring the right healthcare professional sees the right patient in the right place and at the right time. By 2024, all adults in England should to be able to see an MSK FCP at their local GP practice without being referred by a GP. The benefits of these roles are manifold, and include facilitating timely and appropriate onward referrals, reducing imaging referral rates and enhancing patient experience and outcomes (NHS England, 2019). NHSE’s ‘Roadmap to Practice’ sets out the training and educational pathways to FCP recognition for MSK practitioners (HEE, 2021). The University of Hertfordshire’s flexible programme of study is approved by NHSE as fulfilling stages 1 and 2 of the FCP Roadmap. The University of Hertfordshire is one of only select few providers in England approved by NHSE to deliver this training.
What will it involve?
All applicants will initially undertake a Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) to establish if they would be most suited to undertake either:
· A supported portfolio route to becoming a recognised FCP, or
· To undertake a taught short course route, consisting of:
1. First Contact Practitioner 1 (FCP1): 30 Credits at level 7 and
2. First Contact Practitioner 2 (FCP2): 15 Credits at level 7
FCP1 & FCP2 short courses form part of a broader CPD framework & can contribute up to 45 (level 7) credits towards the awards of Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Advanced Physiotherapy or Msc Advanced Clinical Practice or Masters in Health Studies for eligible candidates.
Who will I study with?
FCP1 focuses on MSK practitioners (registered Physiotherapists and Osteopaths), with selected sessions shared with multidisciplinary FCP professionals (OTs, Paramedics, Dietetics), facilitating networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of the expansive FCP role. FCP2 is predominantly undertaken in primary care as supervised practice, supported by interdisciplinary university FCP2 study. If you are undertaking the supported portfolio route you will be working with a named academic tutor to support the development and submission of your portfolio within a community of similar students, alongside your clinical supervisor.
How will I learn?
This programme of study has been developed to be innovative, progressive and accessible with the aim of developing high quality FCPs for the future. Students undertaking the supported portfolio route will be working collaboratively with a university academic tutor and meetings will normally be on-line and individual to student needs. For FCP1 & FCP2 short courses the university teaching is on-line. Teaching uses synchronous and asynchronous activities including lectures, tutorials, workshops, group work and presentations, involving previously successful students and relevant stakeholders, use of case studies and supported peer learning. FCP1 covers the theoretical content of the Road Map and FCP2 enables consolidation of knowledge and skills with a period of supervised practice, which is supported by the university team, a clinical mentor and peer review sessions. Both these activities are supported through the use of enhanced technology, so students will require access to a PC & reliable internet connection. Varied assessment methods helps to support different learning styles.
What do our previous FCP students say?
“[this course] will ensure competence & quality of FCP clinicians”
“It was really good to have the module on-line, easier to fit in clinics & life without travel”
“I have already made changes to my practice”
“Really enjoyed it and the content. Feel I’ve learnt a lot since I first started”
“Amazing experience, all the respective tutors each day of the course were literally amazing”
“The entire team is very supportive, felt quite comfortable to discuss anything”
Who teaches these on this programme of study?
Past and future contributors include Rishi Navsaria (Consultant Physiotherapist), Dr Giles Hazan (GP), Elizabeth Ward (leadership & management), Marie Tanner (APP), Aldo Russell De Boer (APP), Laura Eccott (ACP & Senior Lecturer), Dr Hubert van Griensven and Dr Robert Shannon (Clinical Psychologist), along with other clinical and research experts.
What are the entry requirements?
Applications are welcome from qualified, experienced & highly motivated MSK practitioners (HCPC registered Physiotherapists & GOsC registered Osteopaths) who want to be change makers in the clinical field, working at an enhanced level of practice.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
To be signed off as a First Contact Practitioner learners must successfully complete the FCP ePortfolio route or achieve a pass in both short courses, therefore it is expected that successful students from FCP1 enrol on FCP2. All applications will be considered on an individual basis. The deadline for applications is 31st January 2025. The course will close once we have received sufficient applications. You are advised to apply as soon as possible.
When making your application please download the LNA form from the attachments on this page and on completion email to: cpdhealth@herts.ac.uk