CPD courses for Physiotherapists

A guide to CPD for Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists can work in many different workplaces, such as hospitals, GP surgeries, clinics, health centres etc. They use varying holistic approaches, therapies and techniques on individuals with an injury, illness or disability. Therefore, physiotherapists need to keep current on the latest developments and legislation, as they are constantly changing. CPD keeps knowledge and skills up to date so that physiotherapists can practice safely.

The HCPC has various standards that cover what they regulate and expect, including standards of proficiency for physiotherapists. Practising physiotherapy requires a high degree of competence. This means having a combination of training, knowledge, skills and experience to carry out activities safely. Regular CPD training is a vital part of achieving and maintaining competency.

The HCPC makes CPD mandatory for all physiotherapists as part of their registration and the renewal process. To comply, they must meet five CPD standards, which are on the HCPC’s CPD webpage.

Some professional bodies and associations may require members to undertake some form of CPD. Some may also require members to undertake a certain number of CPD hours annually. Employers may also ask physiotherapists to undertake CPD as part of their role.

If you are not already aware of the CPD training you require, you should ask your employer and check current professional development standards for your field of practice. You can also think about where the gaps are in your knowledge and skills and which areas you could improve. 

CPD courses

Many things count towards your CPD, and they should be relevant to you and your goals as a physiotherapist. The HCPC has a detailed list of the type of activities on its CPD webpage. For example, you can attend seminars, read journals, start mentoring or teaching, carry out research and undertake work-based learning. You can also complete our e-learning courses, which will count as part of your CPD.

Our e-learning courses are CPD certified and accredited under the CPD Certification Service. When you complete your course, you will gain an accredited qualification and CPD points (hours). The more training courses you undertake, the more knowledge and CPD points you will achieve.

We have different levels of courses for some areas, e.g. safeguarding (children or vulnerable adults) levels 2 and 3. If you are looking for more in-depth knowledge on a topic, then a level 3 course would probably be more suited to your needs.

To make the most out of your learning, you should adopt a structured and consistent approach to your CPD by undertaking training that meets your personal development needs as a physiotherapist in your specialist field.

CPD certificates

 Once logged in, you can work through your course in a few hours (depending on the type), and there is no time limit for completion. You can work through it at your own pace at a location of your choice. Very rarely do students need help, but if you do, our staff are here to assist.

After completion of your course, including passing the quiz, you can download your PDF certificate immediately. Our professional-looking certificates are fully CPD regulated. They can provide evidence of training to enforcement authorities, the HCPC, professional bodies and prospective employers.

You can log onto your account at any time and download your certificates. You can keep them on file or email them through to others who require evidence. It is also easy to print off a hard copy of your certificate and keep it with your other qualifications and awards in your CPD portfolio. You will also receive a copy of your certificate in the post, which you can display.

Logging CPD hours

The HCPC require physiotherapists to undertake CPD continually. They do not stipulate the number of hours or points required. Alternatively, they require individuals to identify their development needs and select the most appropriate activities.

Each of our CPD accredited courses will have a number of points assigned to it. One CPD point is equal to one hour of active learning, which means that you will get one point for every hour you spend on a CPD activity.

The number of points you will earn on completion of the course is in the course description, along with an estimated time to complete. This will give you your CPD hours.

You must keep a log of your CPD hours for the year and make a record of whether you have met your learning objectives. It is important to maintain an accurate CPD record as part of your CPD portfolio and personal development plan (PDP).

Logging CPD hours and keeping training records will have a positive impact on your career in physiotherapy. It can also help you provide better quality patient care.

Keeping evidence

The HCPC requires physiotherapists to maintain a continuous, up-to-date and accurate record of their CPD activities and will look at records from the past two years. Some professional bodies require CPD records to be kept for a period of five years, and employers may want you to keep them for longer. You will need to check any requirements for CPD documentation retention times specific to your role.

There is not a prescribed format when recording your CPD. Although, you may be required to use a specific format by an employer or professional body.

The HCPC does audit CPD records and randomly selects 2.5% of each profession for review. If chosen, you will be required to send a CPD profile with evidence about how you have met the standards. Therefore, it is vital to follow the requirements of the HCPC and keep up to date evidence of your CPD.

Renewing CPD certificates

It is recommended that you renew your CPD certificate every two years. However, you may be required to complete a refresher every year. This will depend on your work setting and what your role entails.

Refresher training also counts towards your CPD. Therefore, you can log CPD hours for every course you undertake, including those taken as a refresher.