Return to Practice

Return to Nursing Practice (RTP)

This is for Registered Nurses, Midwives or Nurse Associates whose NMC pin has lapsed, and wish to re-register. The course is delivered by Plymouth University and is funded by Health Education England.

For further information:

• NHS Health Careers Return to Practice
• University of Plymouth Return to Nursing

Return to Practice Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions

Nurses and Midwives

We offer a return to practice programme which consists of a work placement and a theoretical course taught by the University of Plymouth. Courses begin in October and March and the theoretical part of the training is usually completed over three months.

For further information regarding module dates, entry requirements, funding etc., please visit University of Plymouth’s ‘Return to Practice for Nursing Associates, Nurses, Midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses’ page.

To discuss this further contact our dedicated Clinical Education team member.

Is there a time limit?

The Return to Practice course is open to all, regardless of how long you have been out of practice and will update you on any new developments in nursing and provide you with the support you need to attain your registration.

Do I need a degree to Return to Practice?

You do not need a degree to undertake the programme. However as nursing/midwifery is now only studied at degree level, the NMC require the Return to Practice programme to be undertaken at level 6 (degree level). If you pass this course, you will receive 20 credits at degree level which can be used towards completion of a healthcare degree. Some materials and study skills packages are delivered through online learning resources, so some familiarity with using a computer is useful.

The content of the Return to Practice programme; the theoretical element of the programme is taught over six days with additional learning days such as tutorials and seminars. It covers the following topics:

• Professional and ethical practices
• Patient safety
• Quality care
• Reflective practice
• Changing face of health care provision
• Resilience and personal action planning
• Study skills

What do I need to do before applying?

As your NMC registration will have lapsed, you will need to provide evidence that you have been on the NMC register and that your registration has lapsed. The quickest way to obtain this information is to register with the NMC Online Service and print a copy of your lapsed registration status to bring to your interview.

Allied Health Professionals

Returnees who have left the HCPC register and wish to return to practice must apply to be re-admitted to the register before they can be contracted to work as professional practitioners, with a protected title.

Requirements of the re-registration process are flexible, and individuals wanting to return can decide how to complete their period of updating. Individuals can devise a bespoke professional development programme that best fits their personal circumstances and learning needs, allowing them to update their knowledge and skills through a self-directed process. This can be undertaken in the form of supervised practice, and private or formal studies.

The HCPC specifies the minimum number of days required for updating, depending on the length of time an individual has been out of practice. No more than 50% of these can comprise private study. For further details please see the HCPC’s Return to Practice.

For further information regarding module dates, entry requirements, funding, etc, visit:

• NHS England and Health Careers
• Health Careers – Returning to the allied health professions

To discuss this further contact our dedicated Clinical Education team member who will be able to signpost you to the relevant professional lead.