Becoming a Practice Educator/Mentor – Allied Health Professions

Practice Supervisor/Practice Mentor/Educator for Allied Health professionals
Research students talking by a computer
Practice Educators (Mentors) in Allied Health Professions will have undertaken a short preparation course to prepare them for the role for their individual profession.
They must:
  • have relevant knowledge, skills and experience to support safe and effective learning and, unless other arrangements are appropriate, must be on the relevant part of the Register
  • undertake regular training which is appropriate to their role, learners’ needs and the delivery of the learning outcomes of the programme (HCPC, 2017).
Preparation to either transition from mentor to practice assessor or preparation for Practice Supervisor and Assessor roles within your organisation by PDT leads/learning and development advertised within your workplace.

Are you an Allied Health Professional (AHP) and want to become a mentor/educator?

Training for AHP mentors

Development of staff to provide high-quality clinical supervision, assessment and facilitation of learning for students on placement is a key commitment of the University of Plymouth. Current HPC guidance requires that AHP mentors/educators undertake 'appropriate practice placement educator training' (HPC Standards of Education and Training standard 5.8 (2009)), but do not stipulate that specific academic qualifications are required for AHP educators at this time*.
From Spring 2010, initial educator training for AHPs (with the exception of paramedics- see below) has been delivered in a new format, which has been designed to build on an existing provision to give participants a comprehensive preparation for student supervision and more consistent access to professional accreditation on completion of the course. This new format has also been designed to ensure that educator development activities meet both current and possible future requirements of the HPC.
The AHP educator training programme consists of one taught day of study supported by a self-directed preparation pack. The study pack will cover core aspects of student supervision and facilitation of learning in the clinical environment, including objective setting, feedback and assessment. The taught study day will develop these areas further, focusing on the specific programme of study relevant to each profession, placement arrangements and assessment requirements of each individual programme.
*the exception to this guidance is paramedic mentors, where the British Paramedic Association stipulate that mentors undertake certified mentor training (e.g. HEAB370 or equivalent).

Who can apply to become a clinical educator/mentor?

Any existing profession specific guidelines should be adhered to. These generally recommend that AHP educators should:

1. Have practised within their profession for at least two years.

2. Have undertaken regular updating of knowledge and skills.

3. Demonstrate a positive commitment to education.

4. Attend a course to develop teaching skills, an understanding of learning styles and assessment skills (including the giving of feedback).

Application process

Days will be scheduled throughout the academic year.