Returning to midwifery
If you were previously a registered midwife but have had a break from practice, you may need to undertake a period of updating of your skills and knowledge through a Nursing and Midwifery Council approved RtP course before you can apply to rejoin the NMC professional register. This is to ensure you are aware of changes in practice.
In order to rejoin the NMC register, you must have completed
450 hours
450 hours of registered practice and 35 hours of learning activity in the last three years within the UK, or
750 hours
750 hours of practice in the last five years and 35 hours of learning activity in the last three years, or
Returning
If returning to the UK from overseas, completed the relevant number of registered practice hours while registered with the relevant overseas authorities/regulator, or
Qualification
Successfully completed a UK approved pre-registration qualification within the last five years, or
Qualification
Successfully completed an NMC approved RtP programme within the last five years, or
Qualification
Passed the NMC test of competence within the last five years.
If you meet the above you may be eligible to apply to be readmitted to the professional register and should contact the NMC directly for an application pack.
Practice can include supervisory, teaching, research and managerial roles, as well as providing direct care. However, practice hours completed while you were lapsed or not registered, for example if you were working as a maternity support worker or healthcare assistant, cannot be counted towards the practice requirement.
Frequently asked questions about RtP courses
How long is a RtP course and how do I find one?
How long is a RtP course and how do I find one?
Are there any other routes to returning to practice?
Are there any other routes to returning to practice?
The NMC test of competence was launched in January 2020 and involves an online test and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Unlike the return to practice course, this route is not currently funded by the NHS but this may change in the future. More information on the test of competence including information on how to apply is available on the NMC website
I’m NMC registered but trained outside the UK and not employed as a midwife. What can I do?
I’m NMC registered but trained outside the UK and not employed as a midwife. What can I do?
Midwives who have trained and qualified as a midwife in either the European Union or European Economic Area may have a right to have their qualification recognised in the UK and to be registered with the NMC. If you have NMC registration as a result of a midwifery qualification through this route, but are having difficulty in successfully gaining employment as a midwife, then you may find undertaking a RtP course will help you gain more insight into models of midwifery practice in the UK.
I trained outside the UK and the NMC say I must complete additional practice to register. What can I do?
I’m NMC registered but trained outside the UK and not employed as a midwife. What can I do?
The NMC may apply some conditions for registration that must be completed before registration can be given and within two years of the date of their decision. These often include midwifery specific competencies. An RtP course can be one route to achieving these in addition to helping you understand the context of midwifery practice in the UK. You will need to include a copy of your NMC letter to the university you are applying to, so that they can help you meet any conditions.
How do I find a clinical practice placement?
How do I find a clinical practice placement?
You will need to find and secure an RtP vacancy. You may see these advertised on the NHS jobs website, advertised locally or you may need to contact heads of midwifery directly.
The universities that you contact for information regarding their RtP course may be able to help secure a clinical practice placement, although this is becoming more difficult. Therefore you may need to spend considerable time securing this and the assessor support for your course. This may be achievable if your course placement does not coincide with commencement of pre-registration midwifery education programmes. These are often between September and October each year.
Is there any financial support to do the course?
Is there any financial support to do the course?
England
NHS England will cover the cost of you taking a test of competence, but you may have to pay upfront and claim it back once you’re registered and working. NHS England offer pastoral and financial support. If you apply directly to a university, NHS England will pay for your course and placement fees. You’ll also be given £1,000 to help cover any childcare, travel and book costs.
If you apply through an NHS organisation, your course and placement fees will be covered and you’ll either receive a salary or £1,000 to help cover your costs. For more information see Returning to midwifery | Health Careers
Scotland
Courses are recruited and funded through employers, so you may need to consider self funding. Each university costs their own course, so fees do vary between universities. However you can apply for a Student Award through The Iolanthe Midwifery Trust.
Wales and Northern Ireland do not provide programmes so there are no funding opportunities
