Physiotherapy and Postgraduate Study: A follow-up discussion paper

Abstract

While the rapid growth in opportunities for chartered physiotherapists to engage in Master's level learning is supported by the profession, there are perceived problems in accessing professionally-relevant programmes and demonstrating the full benefits to practice of high-level study. There is a need for more flexible approaches to supporting and recognising the high-level learning that is achieved through, and demanded by, professional practice. While attaining a Master's degree has often formed a route out of clinical roles, there is now a more of a trend towards postgraduate degree-holders remaining in clinical practice, particularly with the increase of clinical specialist, extended scope practitioner and lecturer-practitioner posts. Master's level study has become an integral part of physiotherapists' continuing professional development (CPD). However, it needs to be seen as just one of the many types of lifelong learning relevant to physiotherapists' professional roles. While the rapid growth in opportunities for chartered physiotherapists to engage in Master's level learning is supported by the profession, there are perceived problems in accessing professionally-relevant programmes and demonstrating the full benefits to practice of high-level study. There is a need for more flexible approaches to supporting and recognising the high-level learning that is achieved through, and demanded by, professional practice. While attaining a Master's degree has often formed a route out of clinical roles, there is now a more of a trend towards postgraduate degree-holders remaining in clinical practice, particularly with the increase of clinical specialist, extended scope practitioner and lecturer-practitioner posts. Master's level study has become an integral part of physiotherapists' continuing professional development (CPD). However, it needs to be seen as just one of the many types of lifelong learning relevant to physiotherapists' professional roles.