Return to Practice

This is a stand-alone module which leads to NMC registration for nurses who have previously held registration with the NMC or who have not satisfied the requirements for readmission or revalidation practice hours in order to maintain registration.

The module aims to prepare nurses to re-enter clinical practice with the skills, knowledge and proficiency required in contemporary practice within their chosen field of nursing (adult, child, mental health or learning disability) in order to maintain safe and effective standards of care.

We offer a number of start dates to make it easier for you to return to nursing.

• Apply for September 2025
• Apply for September 2026

The Return to Practice module will be delivered on a full and part-time basis. The initial academic component runs as a six week block in Carmarthen, and for both modes of delivery is undertaken on a part-time basis, students are in college for up to 7.5 hours a day (maximum of 3 days per week); while practice based learning may be completed either on a full-time basis (maximum of 40 hours a week) or a part-time basis (maximum of 24 hours a week).

The full-time route will be delivered from September to early February and the part-time route from September until end of March; both routes comprise 150 taught theoretical hours and 360 hours of practice based learning.

The number of practice hours to be completed by each individual student will depend on whether they have had an approved application for recognition of prior learning and will be confirmed at the start of the module.

GCSE English language or Welsh first language at grade C (4) or above, or essential skills level 2 in communication passed after September 2015. Equivalent qualifications will be reviewed on an individual basis. We consider applicants overall qualifications, including for example their previous registration as a nurse, any formal continuing professional development (CPD), and their application form to determine their capability in literacy.

If applicable, applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet NMC English language requirements which can be found at English language requirements (nmc.org.uk). There are three types of acceptable evidence:

• Applicants will have completed an approved English Language Test: please note that Swansea University accept IELTS score of 7 overall with a score of no less than 7 in reading, listening and speaking, and no less than 6.5 in writing.

• Applicants will have trained as outlined at Trained in English (nmc.org.uk)

• Applicants will have been registered and practised in English for at least one year within the last two years.

In order to meet the entry requirements, applicants must demonstrate previous or current registration with the NMC. Any applicant that is subject to NMC conditions of practice must supply this information to demonstrate their eligibility

Candidates are required to complete a RTP Application using a Microsoft word document and e-mail this to the School of Health and Social Care Commissioned Programmes Recruitment and Selection team by the stipulated closing date.

A limited number of places are available on this programme.

All successful applicants to the Return to Practice course have their course fees are paid by the Welsh Government. All students also receive a non means-tested bursary of £3,000. Additional payments may be made to those who care for children or other dependents.

The Return to Practice course enables qualified nurses to renew their professional registration and to work as a qualified nurse in the NHS or other sector. Whilst on the Return to Practice course students will receive advice and guidance on preparing a CV and portfolio of evidence; applying for jobs; and preparing for interviews.

• 3,000 word essay (worth 90% of total mark) - Critically reflect on an aspect of their clinical practice experience linked to the return to practice assessment documentation (RPAD). The student will demonstrate application of the NMC (2018) Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (The Code) within the discussion of their clinical practice.  
• Safemedicate exam – 1 hour (worth 10% of total mark) - Students must achieve 100% in this exam (20 questions)
• Return to Practice Assessment Document (RPAD) (pass/fail) - Students will demonstrate a minimum of 360 hours in clinical practice and achievement of their clinical competencies.

• Enhanced DBS check. 
• GP costs (payable by applicants) to process occupational health check form (health check is funded by the College of Human and Health Sciences).
• Parking and travel to and from campus.
• Printing, photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks).
• Purchase of books or texts, printing and binding.