Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences
A flexible route to NHSE recognition as a Dietitian 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 once again been awarded a contract by NHSE to offer fully funded training for registered Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapists, 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. The benefits of these roles are manifold, and include facilitating timely and appropriate onward referrals, 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 Dietitians (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 and on successful completion students will be able to apply to the Centre for Advancing Practice at NHSE to register as a First Contact Practitioner. 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 Agreement 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 form part of a broader CPD framework and can contribute towards the awards of Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice.
Who will I study with?
FCP1 focuses on Dietitians, with the advantage of selected shared sessions with multidisciplinary FCP professionals (MSK Physiotherapists, OTs, Paramedics), 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 university supervisor to support the development and submission of your portfolio within a community of similar students.
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 named university supervisor and meetings will normally be on-line and individual to student needs. For FCP1 & FCP2 the majority of university teaching is on-line, with some sessions available in-person (on campus) or in hybrid format (live streamed on-line) to facilitate flexible access. Teaching uses synchronous, live streamed 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 via Action Learning Sets. 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, 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. Assessment utilises a wide variety of tools 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”
Who teaches these on this programme of study?
Past contributors include Linda Knowles (Clinical Lead Dietetics), Tanya Thomas (Visiting Lecturer) Tanya Rumney (National AHP Education & Training Lead: Dietetics), Dr Anietie Edehe (GP and Visiting Lecturer) along with other clinical and research experts.
What are the entry requirements?
Applications are welcome from qualified, experienced & highly motivated Dietitians who want to be change makers in the clinical field, working at an enhanced level of practice.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
· Be a dietitian currently registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
· Have typically five years of postgraduate experience in a Dietetic role.
· If working as a Paediatric Dietitian FCP to have completed specific level 7 learning in paediatrics.
· Have confirmation from employer that is working towards a Dietitian FCP role.
· Confirmation of access to an appropriately qualified Clinical Supervisor, i.e. one that is on the list of verified Advanced Practice supervisors held by the Centre of Advancing Practice (see section 12.11 Road Map).
· Evidence of 75 hours of ring-fenced clinical supervision scheduled in an NHS Primary Care workplace based in England if completing FCP2 (confirmation from employer).
· At every stage, evidence of up to date statutory and mandatory training in their area of practice (evidenced by confirmation from employer).
· Evidence (certificates to be supplied) of contemporaneous (within 6-12 months) completion of:
1. Eight e-learning modules (e-learning for healthcare, E-LfH) modules as stated in the roadmap
2. Personalised Care Institute modules (found at: https://www.personalisedcareinstitute.org.uk/)
To be signed off as a First Contact Practitioner learners must successfully complete the FCP portfolio 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 absolute deadline for applications is 31st January 2024. 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:
First Contact Practitioner 1 (FCP1): 30 Credits at Level 7
Course aim:
On successful completion of this short course students should be able to demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of theories, principles and concepts underpinning evidence based MSK practice in Primary Care.
For more information about the course and the learning outcomes, please download the Dietetics flier: 'Dietetics FCP Flier'
First Contact Practitioner 2 (FCP2): 15 Credits at Level 7
Course aim:
On successful completion of this short course students should be able to develop advanced clinical and evaluative skills and to critically evaluate the effectiveness of aspects of service delivery within the FCP scope of practice. To evidence capabilities required for an FCP role, whilst working alongside the multi professional healthcare team within Primary Care to provide high quality services.
This course is equivalent to 150 hours of student effort including seven on-line synchronous teaching days & one assessment day.
Provisional Teaching Dates:
Commencing September 2024 (dates TBC) University based sessions are taught online, with student attendance required.
Students will need to complete 75 hours of mentored clinical practice as part of FCP2.