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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 learning is an important part of practice placement for healthcare students in Wales. Students undertake at least 150 hours of working collaboratively with other students and professions outside of their chosen professional programme. This is to foster teamworking and sharing of learning, skills and knowledge.

Who is involved in practice-based learning?

NHS Wales requires more people working in AHP roles to meet the care demands that it will face in coming years. To achieve this, we need more student AHPs and more practice-based learning opportunities. Health Education and Improvement Wales are working together across professions, health boards, universities, professional bodies, host-organisations, students and communities to create high quality, sustainable placements.  

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 resources and information about nursing and midwifery practice-based learning, please refer to Placement information - 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