Our first cohort of trainee Assistant Practitioners (tAPs) have graduated after a ceremony at New College Lanarkshire recognising their hard work, dedication, and commitment to enhancing patient care.
Launched last January, the tAP programme was developed to address rising demands in health and social care. Designed to create new career pathways and provide opportunities for career progression, the programme combines theoretical learning with practice-based application.
Our 32 new graduates completed the SCQF Level 8 PDA in Acute and Community Care while also achieving core competencies aligned to the four pillars of practice.
Margot Russell, Director NMAHP Practice Development, said: “The graduation event was a memorable occasion as graduates received their certificates in the presence of family, friends, and colleagues.
“Assistant Practitioners play an important role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care as integral members of multidisciplinary teams. By performing delegated tasks within their defined scope of practice, they enhance capacity and allow Registered Healthcare Practitioners to focus on more complex needs, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
“The introduction of Assistant Practitioners has had a significant impact on improving patient care across Lanarkshire. Through this structured training programme, NHS Lanarkshire is laying the foundation for a more flexible and skilled workforce that aligns with its vision for sustainable healthcare delivery.
“Graduates of the programme have already begun applying their enhanced skills, helping to improve the overall patient experience. Tasks such as wound care, clinical assessments, and other delegated responsibilities are now confidently performed by APs, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care.
“Congratulations to all the graduates of the first cohort of Band 4 Assistant Practitioners! Your dedication and achievements are a testament to the bright future of healthcare in Lanarkshire.”
Several graduates reflected on their life-changing experiences during the programme:
- “This course has helped me achieve higher goals in my career. It has shown my family, especially my children, that they should never give up and always work hard to move up higher in life.”
- “Becoming an Assistant Practitioner has helped me learn new skills and gain confidence while being supported by my peers and managers. This was definitely a perfect role for me. This opportunity will open future avenues for progression within NHS Lanarkshire. At the graduation, I felt proud. I walked up to retrieve my certificate with my partner present, making it a truly special day.”
The tAP programme not only provides a pathway for career development within NHS Lanarkshire but also opens opportunities for further advancement. NHS Lanarkshire is actively exploring options for articulation into pre-registration nursing degree programmes for those who wish to pursue nurse training.
Since its programme’s inception, we have supported or are supporting 60 trainees across three cohorts, with the second cohort beginning in August 2024 and the third starting last month. This reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in our workforce and developing skilled healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of patients.
