The work-based curriculum
The flexibility to reflect local practice has been embedded in the work-based curriculum. Details of methods, equipment and processes etc. have not been included in the curriculum wherever possible. The curriculum outlines tasks that must be undertaken but does not define how, allowing the task to be completed according to local practice. This also allows the curriculum to evolve with practice as new methods or ways of working are introduced.
Some training centres may require outside support where skills or experiences are not locally available and have been deemed essential by the curriculum. Working with a network of training centres and/or departments can be beneficial to the training experience and may be formalised as a training consortium. Not being able to provide all of the requirements of the curriculum in a single training centre should not be a barrier to hosting a trainee where those requirements can be supported by other departments.
Core modules
All trainees take the core modules, which provide the skills, knowledge and behaviours required by Clinical Scientists in all specialties. There are some additional considerations around the core module to bear in mind when delivering the programme.
Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science
The module does not have a phase and can be approached throughout the 3 years of training. Some training activities, however, have indicative time frames associated with them, such as the MSF (multi-source feedback) training activities which should be completed at the midpoint and towards the endpoint of training.
Individual Professional Development
This module provides an opportunity for trainees to develop their own professional practice. Continued professional development is a requirement of registration as a Clinical Scientist and the ability to identify individual needs and self-direct development is an important professional skill. Career-long learning and development ensure skills and knowledge are up-to-date and patient care continues to improve and remains safe and effective.
Trainees can meet their identified development aim through a single event or a series of events or development opportunities at any time during the programme. There is no phase associated with this module. It can be approached at the most appropriate point in the programme for each trainee. It may be helpful to consider the trainee’s proposed development plan in the context of departmental or organisational policies or guidelines on continuing professional development. The training budget cannot be used to support trainees undertaking the Individual Professional Development module.