What is the difference between an academic and professional qualification? Who should get a professional qualification? Did you know that some professions can not be legally practised with a degree alone? Why get a UK qualification? Is it expensive to gain a British qualification? What is a chartered institute or society, and is it better than a non-chartered body? What is the difference between a professional body and a trade union? These are all questions answered in this book which is designed to help individuals choose a career path and the right professional organisation. In today's world it isn't enough to have a qualification, you need to be able to meet with peers and use the valuable networks that are already in place to foster your profession. Your Professional Qualification provides a comprehensive survey of the qualifications available in the UK along with guidance on where they lead, entry requirements, where to apply and where to study. Derived from the vast and authoritative British Qualifications database, this important publication provides the first easily accessible guide to qualifications and how to get them in the UK. Built around a comprehensive directory of professional qualifying bodies each professional area is described in depth and its qualifications identified and explained. The book is supported by a simple website, which ensures purchasers of the book are kept up-to-speed with new developments.

Therapists must increase their understanding of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain and improve competence. Every practitioner will need to take steps to maintain and demonstrate continued competence under the provisions of the new Health Act 1999. This book considers current policy on CPD and discusses the theoretical basis for maintaining competence and for adult learning. Primarily, however, it provides practical guidance on how to develop a strategy for professional and career development, and on portfolio preparation that shows evidence of professional updating and CPD. Many examples are given of activities in the areas of clinical work, management, education and research that can be used for CPD. The development and use of learning skills such as reflection and critical evaluation is considered central to the process. Written specifically with the therapist in mind, this book will provide invaluable practical advice to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, radiographers, speech and language therapists, and podiatrists.

Gaining a first job as a nurse or midwife is becoming not only highly competitive but an increasingly more complex process. This practical guide will help students get ahead of other applicants by picking apart the experience of applying for a job from start to finish. Readers will discover a wealth of information on career planning, continuing professional development and next steps. Accessible and user-friendly, this is an essential text for student nurses and midwives at any stage in their pre-registration education, and more especially for those in their final year, as they prepare for the move into qualified employment or further discipline specific study.

The field of professional, academic and vocational qualifications is ever-changing. The new edition of this highly successful and practical guide provides thorough information on all developments. Fully indexed, it includes details on all university awards and over 200 career fields, their professional and accrediting bodies, levels of membership and qualifications. It acts as an one-stop guide for careers advisors, students and parents, and will also enable human resource managers to verify the qualifications of potential employees.

Career guide aimed specifically at the large number of people working in non-academic higher education roles, such as higher education administrators or professional services staff. Based on the authors' real-life experience and first-hand research, the book features case studies which enrich the material and bring it to life.

This thoroughly revised edition of the popular Strategic Guide to Continuing Professional Development for Health and Care Professionals includes the latest professional policy guidance updates as well as the results of the authors’ ongoing research into professional development within health and social care. The importance of applying new learning in practice is reflected by the updated TRAMm model, in which ‘A’ now stands for ‘Apply’ (rather than ‘Activity’, as in the first edition). There is a new chapter on changing mindsets about CPD and how to create opportunities for learning and development, despite limited resources in the current economic climate. The authors have also expanded the chapter on CPD engagement, with updated evidence on exploring your preferred styles of learning. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for all health and social care professionals. It is also beneficial for organisations. Evidence shows that when there is significant investment in CPD, individuals feel valued and their practice improves. In order to maximise the potential of your CPD, this practical handbook guides you through the updated five TRAMm stages or ‘stations’: Tell (T), Record (R), Apply (A), Monitor (M) and measure (m). The tried-and-tested TRAMm Model reflects the five standards for CPD laid down by the Health and Care Professions Council; and your own learning needs provide the main focus, enabling you to develop a full CPD portfolio as you progress. At the end of each chapter, there are opportunities to reflect on your learning – and apply theory to practice through a series of tasks. Designed for all levels (from health and social care students to experienced practitioners), this book may also be useful for associated support workers and other healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, optometrists, nurses and midwives. In addition, some aspects will be relevant for professionals outside healthcare, such as teachers, surveyors and engineers.

If you are embarking on a university-based education degree, including initial teacher training, the books in this series will help you acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and strategies you need to achieve your goals. They provide support in all areas important for university study, including institutional and disciplinary policy and practice, self-management, and research and communication. Tasks and activities are designed to foster aspects of learning which are valued in higher education, including learner autonomy and critical thinking, and to guide you towards reflective practice in your study and work life. Academic Writing and Referencing for your Education Degree provides you with a sound knowledge and understanding of: what constitutes good academic writing in education a range of strategies for writing successful essays and reports the importance of clarity and coherence in your writing about education how to improve your academic style, grammar and punctuation, and formatting and presentation referencing conventions in the field of education, and of how to avoid plagiarism.

Invaluable jargon-free guide for anyone doing a nursing degree, providing study support and helping you to improve your academic writing and referencing skills. Academic Writing and Referencing for your Nursing Degree provides you with a sound knowledge and understanding of: what constitutes good academic writing in nursing a range of strategies for writing successful essays and reports the importance of clarity and coherence in your writing about nursing how to improve your academic style, grammar and punctuation, and formatting and presentation referencing conventions in the field of nursing, and of how to avoid plagiarism. If you are embarking on a university nursing degree, the books in our Critical Study Skills for Nursing series will help you acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and strategies you need to achieve your goals. They provide support in all areas important for university study, including institutional and disciplinary policy and practice, self-management, and research and communication. Tasks and activities are designed to foster aspects of learning which are valued in higher education, including learner autonomy and critical thinking, and to guide you towards reflective practice in your study and work life.

The complete guide to making the transition from student to newly qualified adult or mental health social worker (NQSW). It covers everything you need to know to meet the requirements of NQSW status, and guides you through the challenges and hurdles. Strategies on staying motivated, managing stress and developing support networks are included.