Practice Educators

Due to the increase in learners and new staff moving into the imaging workforce it is essential that a solid and more sustainable infrastructure through which to support these learners is established.  

Historically PE roles have been predominantly linked to supporting the traditional undergraduate learners however in the future it is anticipated that PE’s will be required to Support a multi-level, multi-disciplinary workforce within radiography to include clinical support workers, assistant practitioners, radiographers, and nurses. they will also be required to Support multiple training routes and attain a formal accredited level of academic qualification within the remit of clinical education or similar.   

The aim of the PE role is to provide support and clinical education to staff and student learners to improve their professional practice.   

‘A practice educator is usually a registered professional who supports learners in the workplace. They facilitate practice education alongside clinical and academic colleagues. In addition, the practice educator is likely to hold responsibility for signing off competency and assessment criteria, based upon the standards produced by the education provider and relevant professional body; although it is recognised that local models of delivery and assessment will apply.’ (Society of Radiographers, 2016). 

The requirement for adequate facilitation of training and education is further endorsed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).  

‘To meet the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulation, providers must provide enough suitably qualified, competent, skilled, and experienced staff to meet the needs of the people always using the service and the other regulatory requirements set out in this part of the above regulations. Staff must receive the support, training, professional development, supervision, and appraisals that are necessary for them to carry out their role and responsibilities. They should be supported to obtain further qualifications and provide evidence, where required, to the appropriate regulator to show that they meet the professional standards needed to continue to practise.’ (Care Quality Commission (2014). Regulation 18: Staffing | Care Quality Commission. [online] Cqc.org.uk. Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/regulations-enforcement/regulation-18-staffing). 

The Practice Educator role can be referred to under various titles and each role may have a different remit. All provide a form of clinical support, education, training, and assessment through different levels of interaction with the learner.   

• Practice Educator                 
• Placement learning tutor   
• Clinical Educator                    
• Training Co-ordinator 
• Clinical lecturer
• Student Co-ordinator
• Clinical Tutor
• Appraiser
• Mentor 

The role has many benefits and is widely linked to influencing and affecting staff and student retention and attrition rates. 

‘There were three diagnostic radiography programmes and one therapeutic radiography programme that reported an absence of practice educators to support students while they are on placement. As the use of practice educators was the most common intervention cited to enhance retention, this requires further attention’ (College of Radiographers (2022). Approval and Accreditation Board- Annual Report 1st September 2019 – 31st August 2020. www.sor.org. The College of Radiology).  

You can email us at: diagnosicsprogramme@hee.nhs.uk to find out more about this programme.