AHP Practice-Based Learning

What is practice-based learning?

Practice-based learning (also referred to as placement) is an essential part of an Allied Health Professional (AHP) student’s journey to qualification and registration in their chosen profession. Practice-based learning or placement is where students apply and consolidate their learning, bringing together academic theory and workplace practice. Practice-based learning is supervised and structured to enable progress towards learning outcomes and usually involves assessment of the student. This takes place in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

Where might practice-based learning take place?

AHPs of the future need to be prepared for working in new ways and in settings across health, social care, voluntary and private sectors. This is to enhance the quality of care we offer our people and communities.

To reflect this, students must engage in a diverse range of placements. Placements might involve direct person-centred care, clinical assessment and diagnosis, leading a project or taking part in service evaluation, a public health initiative or research. Settings might include people’s homes, GP practices, hospitals, gyms, industries, schools, community clinics, charities, care homes, universities and many more. This list could go on and on!

Interprofessional collaborative practice is an important part of practice placements for healthcare students in Wales. During placements, students work collaboratively with others from outside their own professional programme. This helps develop teamwork, shared learning, mutual understanding and the skills needed to deliver safe, effective and person-centred care.

Who is involved in practice-based learning?

AHPs play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Wales. Ensuring students have access to high-quality practice-based learning experiences helps develop a confident, capable and collaborative future workforce. Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) are working together across professions, Health Boards, universities, professional bodies, host-organisations, students and communities to create high quality, sustainable learning experiences.

Everyone can be part of practice education; no matter where you work, how long you have been practicing and whether or not you are in a patient facing role. Support workers and assistant practitioners can play an important role in student placements too.

For more information about Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) visit Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice - HEIW 

Practice-Based Learning Stories – Get Inspired!

Across Wales, AHP students are undertaking diverse and exciting placements as part of their pre-registration training. View our video shorts collection to hear educators and students share their stories and tips. Get an idea of what learning opportunities are available, who you might work with, and how supervision can look for different placement areas.

Videos coming soon

Practice-Based Learning Resources