Fast-track your return
Our unique, fully funded, NHSP Return to Practice (RtP) programme is designed to refresh your skills, rebuild your confidence, and help you re-enter the profession you love – on your terms.
Get started today
Ready to return to practice? If you were previously registered with the NMC as a nurse or midwife, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What is the NHS Professionals Return to Practice (RtP) programme?
Our programme is a pioneering approach to supporting nurses and midwives to rejoin the NMC register. This is a Test of Competence route and consists of a multiple-choice computer-based test (CBT) and a practical exam (OSCE).
Programme highlights
- Regain your NMC PIN and return to professional practice
- Fully funded 3-week programme, including programme and assessment costs
- Blended learning; one week of online learning followed by two weeks of in-person training
- Travel and accommodation options available
- Personalised guidance and comprehensive support
Once completed, our team is available to support you in exploring your career options and preceptorship. We’ll help you find a work pattern that aligns with your needs and family life, whether it’s through bank shifts, substantive posts, or other opportunities.
What the programme entails
Designed to provide support throughout your return to practice, the programme will guide you through the Test of Competence route back to registration. You will receive support to prepare for the Computer-Based Test (CBT), where required, and take part in an immersive simulated learning experience tailored to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) skills stations.
With hands-on practice, personalised guidance, and dedicated support, you can refresh your skills and build confidence ahead of your assessments.
Part 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- The CBT is a multiple-choice exam.
- The test includes 120 multiple-choice questions, with answers marked as correct or incorrect (no partial credit).
- The total test duration is four hours, including any optional breaks.
- For more information download the NMC CBT Information Booklet.
Part 2: Comprehensive training to prepare for your OSCE
- Week 1: Online learning from home
- Weeks 2 and 3: Face-to-face training, with travel and accommodation options available
Part 3: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- The OSCE is a practical assessment designed to assess your knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- It is taken after successfully passing the CBT.
- For more information download the NMC OSCE Candidate Handbook.
Part 4: Preceptorship Programme
Following successful completion of the programme and your return to the NMC register, you may also be supported through our preceptorship programme.
- A comprehensive six-month preceptorship programme, facilitated by NHS Professionals in partnership with participating NHS trusts.
- Structured training and development sessions, delivered by experienced Clinical Educators.
- Pastoral and professional support, including CPD, virtual drop-in sessions, a personalised learning plan and guidance from your preceptor.
All our courses are facilitated by the NHS Professionals Academy.
Eligibility
To apply for the programme, you must:
- Have previously been registered with the NMC as a nurse or midwife.
- Have a lapsed NMC PIN within the last 10 years.
- Hold a valid, in-date passport and have the right to work in the UK.
- Be based in England.
Next steps
Simply provide details of your previous NMC registration, and our team will be in contact.
This programme is delivered in collaboration with and funded by NHS England.