CSP welcomes full approval of the physiotherapist degree apprenticeship

The apprenticeship provides a new entry route into the profession. It defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours that individuals will need to develop as they progress through a primarily work-based programme of learning, and demonstrate through the end-point assessment.

While the apprenticeship standard was approved earlier this year, the institute has now approved the end-point assessment (EPA), and set the apprenticeship’s funding tariff at a maximum of £24k.  

This full sign-off means that universities can now progress plans for delivering the apprenticeship, while employers can prepare to procure the apprenticeship to meet their workforce development needs.

The CSP has been a part of both the trailblazer and assessment group for the apprenticeship. Through close involvement, it has ensured that the programme reflects the requirements of contemporary physiotherapy practice.

As a condition of delivery, all provision of the apprenticeship will have to need to meet the CSP’s requirements for accreditation and the Health & Care Professions Council’s requirements for approval. Either a BSc (Hons) or a pre-registration Master’s degree in physiotherapy must also underpin the apprenticeship. 

These arrangements mean that apprentices will have to meet the same professional, regulatory and academic requirements as students on traditional education routes to enter the profession.

Sally Gosling, CSP assistant director, has been closely involved in the apprenticeship’s development since it was proposed late in 2016.

‘The CSP has maintained strong input and support throughout. We have been keen to assure the quality of the apprenticeship, open up a new route into the profession, and enable employers to use their apprenticeship levy to grow their own physiotherapy workforce and provide progression opportunities for existing and new staff.’

She added that ‘The apprenticeship forms an exciting addition to the increasingly diverse routes to becoming a physiotherapist. The CSP will remain strongly involved, enacting our quality assurance role and extending our guidance on ensuring the quality of apprentices’ learning experience and outcomes.’   

• To access the apprenticeship, Institure for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and search for the apprenticeship standards website here.
• For CSP guidance on its approach to accrediting the apprenticeship, see https://www.csp.org.uk/documents/interim-guidance-csp-expectations-delivery-physiotherapist-degree-apprenticeship