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) 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. 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 physiotherapists (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 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 Masters in Advanced Physiotherapy or Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice.
Who will I study with?
FCP1 focuses on MSK physiotherapists, 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 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 short courses 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. 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”
Who teaches these on this programme of study?
Past contributors include Rishi Navsaria (Consultant Physiotherapist), Dr Neeraj Prasad (GP), Elizabeth Ward (leadership & management), Marie Tanner (APP), Aldo Russell De Boer (APP), Laura Eccott (FCP & 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 physiotherapists who want to be change makers in the clinical field, working at an enhanced level of practice.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
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 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:
For more information about the course and the learning outcomes, please download the Musculoskeletal flier: 'MSK FCP Flier pdf'