Physiotherapist Trudi McDowall joins colleagues who completed a pioneering practice education course

Physiotherapist Trudi McDowall, who works for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has completed the University of Winchester’s first PG Certificate in Practice Education course.

Joining 11 colleagues from her cohort at an event held at the university last week (3 May) to celebrate their achievements, she said the course had made her ‘more aware of the different ways people learn and to adapt to that’.

‘I led my students through a project, and I would have never considered doing that before. I asked them to improve social media within therapies and they did a great job.’

Tracey poster based on her successful project was among a number displayed at the event. The one-year, online course helps allied health professions, nurses, midwives and social workers and who wish to become qualified practice educators.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has identified a need to promote practice-based placements as a high priority issue in all parts of the UK. 

All students studying physiotherapy, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, social work and occupational therapy at the University of Winchester are given work placements where they are supervised by a practice educator.

We have woken up to educating people in the workplace so we can look after patients better. The PG Certificate course at Winchester is leading the way [Beverley Harden, Health Education England]

Tai Frater, an occupational therapist by background who leads the programme, said: ‘Our PG Cert Practice Education students are leading the way in placement innovation and improving quality of placements for health and social care students. We are delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate them and showcase their work.’  

While those currently on the course are based in Hampshire it could be opened to healthcare professionals from other parts of the UK, as it is based on online learning.

Physiotherapist Beverley Harden, deputy chief allied health professions officer at Health Education England, gave a presentation titled ‘The value of practice education within the bigger picture’. She said: ‘We have woken up to educating people in the workplace so we can look after patients better. The PG Certificate course here at Winchester is leading the way in creating a firm foundation for our educators. You are looking after our next generation.’

The event also showcased a new eLearning training package, a free, on-line resource commissioned by Health Education England. To find out more, click