Education and training opportunities

There is a wide range of jobs available in primary care. You could work with patients and the public as a paramedic, doctor, dentist, nurse, physiotherapist or pharmacist, or work in a public health role to improve or protect people’s health. This page provides more information about the education and training opportunities and requirements for the different career roles in primary care.

The Health Careers website has lots of useful information about study and training, whatever your age.

If you’re at secondary school or FE college you can find information on:

If you’re considering or already at university you can find information on:

If you’re a graduate, there’s a range of graduate training opportunities available:

  • accelerated programmes – find out about accelerated or shortened pre-registration courses in certain clinical professions
  • NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme – a fast-track programme to prepare you to work as a senior manager in healthcare
  • NHS Graduate Surveyor Trainee Programme – a two-year programme providing the opportunity to gain membership of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and achieve chartered surveyor status
  • NHS Scientist Training Programme – a training programme for science or engineering graduates to work in a wide range of senior healthcare science roles, including clinical bioinformatics, life sciences, physical sciences and physiological sciences
  • specialty training in public health – information on how to train as a public health specialty registrar with or without a degree in medicine

If you’re already working in health, here are some training opportunities and resources you might want to try:

If you are looking to change roles within the health sector visit the explore roles section of the Health Careers website.

Advanced clinical practitioners come from a range of professional backgrounds such as nursing, pharmacy, paramedics and occupational therapy. They are healthcare professionals educated to a Master’s level and have developed the skills and knowledge to allow them to take on expanded roles and scope of practice caring for patients.

Advanced clinical practice (ACP) is a defined level of practice within clinical professionals such as nursing, pharmacy, paramedics and occupational therapy. This level of practice is designed to transform and modernise pathways of care, enabling the safe and effective sharing of skills across traditional professional boundaries

Advanced clinical practitioners are healthcare professionals that work at a level of advanced clinical practice that pulls together the four ACP pillars of clinical practice: Leadership, management, education, and research.

Advanced clinical practice is delivered by experienced, registered health and care practitioners. It is a level of practice characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making. This is underpinned by a master’s level award or equivalent that encompasses the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research, with demonstration of core capabilities and area specific clinical competence.

Advanced clinical practice embodies the ability to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers. It includes the analysis and synthesis of complex problems across a range of settings, enabling innovative solutions to enhance people’s experience and improve outcomes.

The ACP definition has been developed to provide clarity for employers, service leads, education providers and healthcare professionals, as well as potential ACPs practising at an advanced level. This is the first time a common multi-professional definition has been developed which can be applied across professional boundaries and clinical settings. The definition serves to support a consistent title and recognises the increasing use of such roles in England.

Over a number of years, the role of nurse has evolved within primary, community and secondary care. Nurses have in many ways been the pioneers of enhanced and advanced roles within many clinical settings. The NHS needs a workforce that is fit for the future and nurses with advanced clinical practice knowledge and skills will be able to both lead and work within and across teams to provide excellent care for people.

This framework provides clarity around the core capabilities required by advanced level nurses working in primary care/general practice and will promote a high standard of care for those utilising the services. It will allow nurses to showcase their advanced level knowledge, skills and behaviours which will be essential in the development of the multi-professional teams to provide excellent prevention and care for people accessing their services.

Further information

Sign up to the Health Education England (HEE) ACP newsletter at www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/advanced-clinical-practice/acp-newsletter

Read an ACP case study

To practise as a dietitian, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to register with the HCPC, you must first successfully complete an approved degree in dietetics. This is usually a BSc (Hons) degree, although there are shortened postgraduate programmes if you already have a relevant first degree. A degree apprenticeship standard in dietetics has also been approved (see below).

Courses are three or four years. If you already have a degree in a life science subject, with an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry, you can take a postgraduate Diploma or Masters in dietetics.

Courses are a mixture of theory and practical work. They cover biochemistry, psychology, nutrition, physiology and communication skills. Practical training is in hospital and community settings.

For an undergraduate degree, you need

  • two or three A levels, including chemistry, maths or biology, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language and maths

or

  • BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science subjects
  • relevant NVQ
  • science-based access course
  • equivalent level Scottish or Irish qualifications

To get onto a postgraduate course you will normally be expected to hold an honours degree which contains an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry.

Degree apprenticeship

A degree apprenticeship in dietetics has now been approved and offers an alternative route to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. There are no nationally set entry requirements for degree apprenticeships – this will be down to the employer offering the apprenticeship – but you will typically need level 3 qualifications as you will be studying at degree level. Apprenticeships will be with employers, with study at university and vacancies will appear on the NHS Jobs website and the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website.

Once you’ve successfully completed a programme approved by the HCPC, you are then eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC. Once registered as a practitioner, you’ll be required to retain your name on the register by keeping your knowledge and skills up to date and paying an annual retention fee.

GP Training is managed by Health Education England (HEE). Greater Manchester is part of HEE North West, along with Cheshire & Merseyside and Lancashire & South Cumbria. The North West School of Primary Care, which covers all 3 areas, has 22 GP Training Programmes and is one of the largest Schools in the UK.  

There are 8 Training Programmes in Greater Manchester. Information regarding each of these can be found below:

BOLTON

www.boltongptraining.org.uk

Primary Care Medical Educators
Dr Julian Page julian.page@nhs.net
Dr Nick Pendleton nickpendleton@nhs.net

Programme Directors
Dr Nick Pendleton nickpendleton@nhs.net


PENNINE (NORTH MANCHESTER, BURY, ROCHDALE, OLDHAM)

www.penninegpst.co.uk

Primary Care Medical Educators
Dr Parm Mamman parm.mamman@nhs.net
Dr Ian Collyer iancollyer@nhs.net
Dr David Osborne daveos@mac.com

Programme Directors
Dr Parm Mamman (North Manchester and Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale – including hospitals geographically) parm.mamman@nhs.net
Dr Raj Khiroya (Oldham and Bury – including hospitals geographically) raj.khiroya@nhs.net


GREATER MANCHESTER DEPRIVATION PROGRAMME

Website under construction – see information sheet here. Contact: contact@sharedhealth.org.uk

Programme Director
Dr Andrew Elliott andrew.elliott3@nhs.net


CENTRAL / SOUTH MANCHESTER

www.manchester-gptraining.org.uk

Primary Care Medical Educators
Central Manchester
Dr Julian Tomkinson juliantomkinson@nhs.net

South Manchester
:
Dr Avril Danczak avril.danczak@btinternet.com
Dr Anne Thomas dranneturner@hotmail.com

Programme Director
Dr Julian Tomkinson juliantomkinson@nhs.net


SALFORD / TRAFFORD

http://salfandtraf-gptraining.org.uk

Primary Care Medical Educators
Dr Mary Ward drmaryward@outlook.com
Dr Simon Henshall simon.henshall@nhs.net

Programme Director
Dr Derek Seex derek.seex@nhs.net


STOCKPORT

www.stockportgptraining.org.uk

Primary Care Medical Educators
Dr Rachel Tomalin racheltomalin@hotmail.com
Dr Adam Firth adam.firth@nhs.net

Programme Director
Dr Bonny Needham bonny.needham@ntlworld.com


TAMESIDE

www.gp-training.co.uk

Primary Care Medical Educators
Dr Jane Harvey janeharvey170@btinternet.com
Dr Naveed Riyaz naveedriyaz@nhs.net

Programme Director
Dr Rachel Edwards redwards@nhs.net


WIGAN

http://wigangpstp.org.uk

Primary Care Medical Educators
Dr Keith Ward ms983786@doctors.org.uk
Dr Nikesh Vallabh nikesh.vallabh@doctors.org.uk

Programme Directors
Dr Keith Ward ms983786@doctors.org.uk

The GP assistant (GPA) is a role that was created in order to relive some of the administrative pressure on GPs. These assistants would be a cross between a healthcare assistant and a doctor’s PA which could provide a short term injection of support for general practice.

GP Assistants (also known as Medical Assistants) support doctors in the smooth running of their surgery by handling the routine administration and some basic clinical duties enabling the GP to focus on the patient.

As a GP Assistant you will be trained to help with:

  • Sorting all clinical post and prioritising
  • Extracting all information from clinical letters that need coding
  • Dealing with all routine clinical post directly e.g. DNA letters, 2WW etc
  • Arranging appointments, referrals and follow up appointments of patients
  • Preparing patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
  • Dipping urine, taking blood pressure, ECGs & phlebotomy
  • Completing basic (non-opinion) forms for the GP to approve and sign such as insurance forms, mortgage forms e.g. ESA113
  • Explaining treatment procedures to patients including arranging follow up appointments.
  • Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies i.e. getting an on call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP can continue with their consultation
  • Support the GP with immunisations/wound care

How is the GP Assistant framework delivered?

The GPA framework is an experiential course that is led by a GP at your practice. They will work through the competencies within the framework with you in a tutorial and you will write up your evidence of your understanding for them to mark.

We will provide you with an on line facility called the Learning Assistant where the framework will be stored and you will upload your written evidence to this portal. Your GP mentor will have their own log in and will use this to mark your work. We will have sight of your progress throughout and we will externally verify your evidence via this portal.
 
You will need to dedicate one full day a week to the framework. Half a day working through the competencies on the online portal and writing up your evidence and half a day gaining hands on experience with your GP mentor. You may find your GP mentor may second you to the practice nurse to help you train in areas relating to simple clinical duties such as blood pressures but they will ultimately be responsible for signing you off as competent. This can take time and we recommend that this is done weekly also and not left to the end of the framework. We would expect work to be sent back on occasion for revision so timings are important. We will offer an element of funding to the practice for this mentor/marking time.

You will need to be supported by a GP who will act as your mentor. Assuming you meet the entry criteria (detailed below) your GP mentor can put you forward for the GP Assistant Certificate. 

The workbook syllabus has been created by GPs, Practice Managers and Nurses. The level 4 certificate has been accredited by University of Chester.

The aim of the framework is to support a standardised approach to practices upskilling their team.

What are the entry criteria?

Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis and will have to be shared equally across all CCG areas within the North West. There will be a short interview over the telephone to ensure that the learner, workplace and support are fully aware of the framework requirements. Candidates can be put forward by the GP who will be mentoring them and the Practice Manager.

We would expect that the candidate is already considered competent in good patient care from their experience as members of a GP practice and be DBS checked to an enhanced level

The candidates must have a named GP mentor who will be responsible for support them through their competencies. Should a GP mentor not be able to guarantee regular tutorials then this framework is not achievable.

Healthcare assistants (HCA) are an essential part of NHS support roles, as well as being part of the nursing team HCAs work with doctors, and other healthcare professionals. They have a lot of contact with patients.

In Health centres and GP surgeries, you may:

  • Sterilise equipment
  • Do health checks
  • Restock consulting rooms
  • Process lab samples
  • Take blood samples
  • Do health promotion or health education work

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements to become a healthcare assistant, employers expect good literacy and numeracy and may ask for GCSEs in English and maths. They may ask for healthcare qualification, such as BTEC or NVQ.

Employers usually ask for:

  • 2 or more GCSES at graces 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent for a level 2 course.
  • 4 or 5 GCSES at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

How to become a healthcare assistant

You can get into this job through:

  • A college course
  • An apprenticeship
  • Working towards this role

You could do a college course, which may help you when looking for work, courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for Health and Social Care.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

Most health and social care courses include work placements, which is a good way to get experience

You can also get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a healthcare support worker.

Local apprentice scheme here

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

  • Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Sensitivity and understanding
  • To be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • The ability to work well with others
  • The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • The ability to work well with your hands
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Customer service skills
  • To be able to carry out basic task on a computer or hand-held device

Career path and progression

With experience you could train new healthcare assistants.

With training, you could become an assistant practitioner in chiropody or podiatry, occupational therapy, radiography or physiotherapy. You could also apply to train as a nurse, radiographer, dietitian, midwife or social worker.

Nursing associate is a new role within the nursing team, nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public.

Nursing associates work across all four fields of nursing: adult, children’s, mental health, and learning disability.

Your skills and responsibilities will vary, depending on the care setting you work in. You’ll need to demonstrate the values and behaviours of the NHS constitution and a knowledge of physical health, mental health and illness prevention.
Your duties are likely in include:

  • Undertaking clinical tasks including venepuncture and ECGs
  • Support individuals and their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoses.
  • Performing and recording clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration and pulse
  • Discussing and sharing information with registered nurses on a patients’ condition, behaviour, activity and responses
  • Ensuring the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times
  • Recognising issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults

Entry requirements

  • GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A to C) in maths and English, or functional skills level 2 in maths and English as a minimum
  • You also will need to demonstrate your ability to study to level 5 foundation degree level and commit to completing the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme
  • Some places are available through direct application to universities. Applicants accepted onto courses this way will need to fund their own training.

Training and development

You will undertake academic learning on day a week and work based learning the rest of the week. You’ll be employed in a specific healthcare setting such as an acute, community or mental health hospital or a GP practice but also gain experience of other healthcare settings.

You will develop an understanding of all elements of the nursing process and of caring for individuals with particular conditions such as dementia, mental ill health and learning disabilities/difficulties.

Where the role can lead

The nursing associate role is employed across health and care services. Qualified nursing associates can also go on to train as a registered nurse by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or completing a  degree-level nurse apprenticeship

How we regulate nursing associates

The part of the nursing register for nursing associates open in January 2019, this has allowed the NMC to being accepting people to begin accepting people onto the register to enable them to practice as a nursing associate in England. It also allows the NMC to investigate concerns about a registered nursing associate’s conduct or practice, where this is considered impaired and take action to improve care and keep the public safe if needed.

To do this, the NMC sets the following standards:

Nurse associates are broadly regulated in the same way that nurses are, which includes registration, revalidation and fitness to practice.

Additional information regarding the nurse associate framework can be found here: https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/standards-of-proficiency/nursing-associates/nursing-associates-proficiency-standards.pdf

The nursing associate apprenticeship standard is available to employers and the apprenticeship levy can be used for training fees.

To practise as an occupational therapist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, you first need to successfully complete approved degree-level training in occupational therapy.

To become an occupational therapist you need to train and study at undergraduate degree level through a full-time course or degree apprenticeship or if you already have a relevant degree, at Masters level through a 2-year accelerated programme.

All pre-registration courses combine both practical placements and academic study. All programmes will leave you eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and they will get you to that point through a variety of methods and experiences.

Approved pre-registration university programmes

This is usually a BSc (Hons). Courses take three or four years.

There are also part-time/in-service courses if you are working in a relevant senior occupational therapy support role and your employer is willing to support you.

Courses differ but all involve a lot of practical work with patients.

To get onto a full-time occupational therapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science.

You may also be able to get onto a course with alternative qualifications, including:

  • BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science
  • relevant vocational qualifications
  • science-based access course
  • equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

If you already have a relevant degree and healthcare experience, you can take a postgraduate Masters in occupational therapy. These courses usually take two years.

Each institution sets its own entry requirements – whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate (accelerated, graduate-entry) programme, so it’s important to check carefully.

Degree apprenticeship in occupational therapy

A degree apprenticeship standard in occupational therapy has been approved for delivery. To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an apprentice position with a health care provider. You will usually need level 3 qualifications to get onto a degree apprenticeship.

You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.

To practise as a paramedic, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, you first need to successfully complete an approved qualification in paramedic science.

To qualify as a paramedic you can:

  • take a full-time approved qualification in paramedic science (e.g. at a university) and then apply to an ambulance service as a qualified paramedicor
  • become a student paramedic with an ambulance service and study while you work
  • apply for a degree standard apprenticeship in paramedic science with an ambulance service trust

University route

University degree courses take between two and four years full time. They include a mixture of theory and practical work including placements with ambulance services.

Approved full-time degree courses last for three years, and DipHE and foundation degree courses take two years. Part-time courses take up to five years. Courses combine university study with practical experience in ambulance services and hospitals.

Paramedic Science degrees cover a broad curriculum including cognitive, theoretical and practical learning, including the acquisition of skills such as team working, problem-solving, reflective practice, the use of information and communications technology, applying research, evidence based and values-based practice and critical reasoning.

For a diploma, foundation degree or degree, you need:

  • two or three A levels, including a science, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science

or one of:

  • BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science subjects
  • relevant NVQ
  • science or health-based access course
  • equivalent level Scottish or Irish qualifications

Student paramedic route

Ambulance services set their own entry requirements for student paramedics. They usually ask for at least five GCSEs, grade C or above, including English, maths and science or equivalent academic qualification with a high level of health or science content.

Employers also look for a good level of physical fitness and two years’ driving experience.

Most student paramedic schemes usually recruit from once or twice a year. The recruitment process often involves several stages including an assessment centre which might include:

  • interviews
  • English and maths tests
  • problem solving tasks
  • a fitness assessment
  • a practical driving task

Degree apprenticeship in paramedic science

A degree apprenticeship standard in paramedic science has been approved. To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an apprentice position with a health care provider. You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.

Whether you are applying for a full-time course, student paramedic position or degree apprenticeship, you are likely to need to have some relevant experience, either voluntary or paid. For example, working as an emergency care assistant or volunteering with St John Ambulance or the British Red Cross.

To qualify as a pharmacist takes a minimum of five years and includes the following steps:

  • Successful completion of a General Pharmaceutical Council accredited Master of Pharmacy degree (MPharm), which is a full-time, four-year course
  • Successful completion of one year’s pre-registration training, a period of paid employment in a community or hospital pharmacy during which a trainee is required to build up a portfolio of evidence and demonstrate their competence whilst being observed at work
  • Successful completion of the General Pharmaceutical Council’s registration assessment
  • Meeting the fitness to practise requirements for registration as a pharmacist.

Only after completing these steps can you apply for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a pharmacist. As part of the registration process, applicants have to make a health declaration and character checks are carried out.

Physician associate training usually lasts two years, with students studying for 46-48 weeks each year.

Although it involves many aspects of an undergraduate or postgraduate medical degree, the training focuses principally on general adult medicine in hospital and general practice, rather than specialty care.

Training will include significant theoretical learning in the key areas of medicine. There will also be 1,600 hours of clinical training, taking place in a range of settings, including 350 hours in general hospital medicine.  You’ll also spend a minimum of 90 hours in each of the following:

  • community medicine
  • front door (including experience in emergency medicine)
  • mental health
  • general surgery
  • obstetrics and gynaecology
  • paediatrics (acute setting)

Physician associates have to meet a nationally approved standard of training and practice. This is a requirement of the competence and curriculum framework for physician associates as laid down by the Faculty of Physician Associates.

A 4-year integrated Master of Physician Associate Studies is now running at the University of Central Lancashire and the University of Reading.

To get onto a physiotherapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and at least one science.

You may also be able to get onto a course with alternative qualifications, including:

  • BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science
  • relevant NVQ
  • science-based access course
  • a previous degree or a full practising qualification in a related area

To practice as a podiatrist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to register with the HCPC, you first need to successfully complete an approved degree (BSc) or Masters programme (MSc) in podiatry.

Degree courses take three or four years on a full time basis or four and a half years part time. Courses differ but all involve a lot of practical work with patients. To get onto a podiatry degree course you usually need:

  • three A levels, including a biological science, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science
  • or alternative qualifications, including
    • BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science
    • relevant NVQ
    • science-based access course
    • equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications
    • a previous degree or a full practising qualification in a related area.

Masters programmes (MSc) usually take 2 years and like the degree programmes, involve clinical practice and academic study. You’ll usually need a relevant degree to be able to get onto the masters programme. 

However, each institution sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check carefully. Wherever you study, you will need to show that you have an understanding of podiatry and how it benefits patients. It is a good idea to spend some time with a registered podiatrist to see what the work is like.

People enter practice management from a variety of backgrounds. Experience of managing in a healthcare environment is often required or preferred. As a practice manager, you’re usually required to hold a relevant qualification – either the Certificate/Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management awarded by the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists or the Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice Managers – awarded by the Institute of Healthcare Management.

Certificate/Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management

The DPHCM is open to existing managers and potential managers in a health or social care environment. You must be educated to level 3 standard and should have a background that will enable you to benefit from the programme.

In order to be able to take the programme, you need to be recommended by an appropriate employer and accepted by a recognised centre following interview.

The programme is included in the Qualifications and Credit Framework at level 5 and is provided by a number of AMSPAR/City and Guilds -approved centres.

The course contains modules covering the following topics in a primary care and health environment:

  • managing medical ethics and legal requirements
  • financial management and budgeting
  • managing information and communication
  • leading teams
  • developing or improving services.

There are also optional units on topics including the manager as a critical thinker; becoming an effective leader and managing recruitment.

Find out more about the DCPHM and the location of AMSPAR/City and Guilds approved centres

Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice Managers (VTSGPM)

The VTSGPM is delivered on a part time basis over a period of 36 weeks, using a blended learning model. This includes 1 full day of face to face teaching every two weeks and extra independent study in between. Guided study materials are provided and candidates are supported by appropriately qualified tutors both during attendance and distance learning processes of email, structured email tutorials, and telephone contact.

The course covers six key topics:

  • managing your enterprise
  • personal & team effectiveness
  • primary care, finance, data management & information strategy
  • quality and regulation in primary care
  • introduction to commissioning
  • medical terminology for practice managers.

Find out more about the VTSGPM from the IHM website

Nurses are an important part of delivering care in general practice. An increasing shift of care from hospitals to general practice provides nurses with a  really exciting career choice.

General practice nurses work in GP surgeries as part of the primary healthcare team, which might include doctors, pharmacists and dietitians. In larger practices, you might be one of several practice nurses sharing duties and responsibilities. In others, you might be working on your own, taking on many roles.

You could be involved in most aspects of patient care including:

  • Obtaining blood samples
  • Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
  • Minor and complex wound management including leg ulcers
  • Travel health advice and vaccinations
  • Child immunisations and advice
  • Family planning & women’s health including cervical smears
  • Men’s health screening
  • Smoking cessation
  • Screening and helping patients to manage long term conditions

General practice nurses may also have direct supervision of healthcare assistants at the practice.

The short film below published by Health Education England showcases a day in the life of a general practice nurse, including the array of activities and procedures their day may include. The film is especially designed for pre-registration student nurses and those who may wish to transition into general practice from other areas.

Entry requirements

You must be a qualified and registered adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse to work in general practice. You’ll also either need to undertake further training and education or be willing to after being appointed.

Some employers may ask for knowledge or experience in specific areas e.g. health promotion or working with patients with long term conditions. We recommend that registered nurses check with local employers and training providers to see what is on offer

Education and training roles

Education, training the professional development of the next generation of nurses is vital to the delivery of patient care. Nurses can get involved through a number of roles:

  • Preceptors
  • Mentors
  • Practice educators
  • Lecturers

In addition t the above routes, there are also a number of apprentice schemes with available funding, more information can be found here https://www.nhsemployers.org/news/2020/08/new-funding-to-support-nursing-apprenticeships

As well as providing the care that a nurse practitioner is able to offer, advanced nurse practitioners (ANP) will have a prescribing qualification and master’s level training. A qualified ANP is also able to:

  • Take a full patient history
  • Carry out any physical examination
  • Use their knowledge to identify a likely diagnosis
  • Request appropriate tests to aid diagnosis (blood tests, x-rays, scans)
  • Refer patients to an appropriate specialist (in the practice or hospital)
  • Prescribe medicines and non-medical treatments
  • Arrange follow up and ongoing management

Return to nursing

If you have previously been a registered nurse and wish to return to the profession, then you may need to undertake a return to practice programme. The programme provides a platform to work with other professionals to update your skills and knowledge, so that you can return to work in nursing with confidence

The return to practice course for General Practice Nurses is offered at a number of universities and incorporates the existing return to practice course (required by the NMC for re-registration) and an Introduction to the role of GP Nurse.

Your placement will be with a general practice and the course will be funded and supported exactly the same as the existing return to practice course with a bursary of £500 for “out of pocket” expenses, and support from a mentor in your placement and practice facilitators from the delivering university.

The course will be open to all previously registered nurses with relevant experience in all fields of nursing, and of course, previously registered practice nurses are very welcome to apply for this bespoke course too.

North west – return to practice programme

The return to practice programme is a combination of classroom and placement based learning. Hours on placement will vary and depend on how long you have been off the NMC register. These will be negotiated with you on an individual basis. The programme will take approximately three to six month to complete. Depending on clinical placement hours required and the length of time out of practice and length of time previously in practice. The courses will also be flexible to fit around existing commitments, such as childcare.