Return to Practice Nursing (RTP)

Apply as Home Student
Request a Prospectus Visit Us
Three female nursing degree students

This course enables practitioners to return to practice when their Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration has lapsed.

This flexible and innovative course is delivered in close partnership with service providers. It aims to fulfil the individual needs of nurses as they revise established skills and learn new developments and practices in order to meet the NMC requirements for re-registration.

Accreditations

Winner at the Student Nursing Times Award 2023
Meet Our Return to Practice (RTP) Nursing Students

Meet Our Return to Practice (RTP) Nursing Students

What You'll Study

The aims of this module are to: 1) Enable practitioners to renew registration and re-enter practice with up-to-date theoretical knowledge that will underpin the delivery of modern, safe and effective nursing care. 2) Enable practitioners to renew registration and re-enter practice with up-to-date evidence-based clinical skills and competencies. 3) Promote the ethos of lifelong learning and commitment to ongoing education.

Module content:

The indicative module content will include biopsychosocial approaches to all branches of nursing: 
  1. A critical examination of diverse nursing interventions utilised for the safe delivery and management of healthcare, including demonstration of understanding and knowledge to supply and administer via a Patient Group Direction.
  2. Quality processes, the governance agenda, risk management and complaints, including child protection strategies.
  3. Strategies and systems in healthcare including leadership/management theory, skills of delegation and negotiation, problem solving and clinical decision making, management of change, conflict and disciplinary/grievance procedures, care pathways.
  4. Critical analysis of the interpersonal/communication skills required within an inter-professional team context including critical incident reporting and analysis.
  5. A range of higher level skills appropriate to the branch specialism. Essential clinical skills indicative content to include: Advanced life support, MEWS/EWS and alert programmes, venepuncture, managing challenging behaviour and de-escalation, wound management strategies, principles of immunisation, resuscitation algorithms including drugs, defibrillation and intubation, principles of arterial line management, intravenous bolus medications and infusion therapy, tracheostomy care, chest drains, principles of assisted respiration.
  6. Engagement in locally determined individual skills learning programme, specifically designed to address employability issue for newly registered nurses.

Module aims:

This module aims to develop the care management skills central to the employability of the newly registered nurse within an inter-professional context. 

The aim of the module is to:   

  • Facilitate the student in consolidating their knowledge and skills in the delivery and management of client care in their branch practice setting.
  • Develop and consolidate interpersonal skills required within the inter-professional team, and to further develop clinical skills required within the branch specialism.
  • Provide opportunities for the student to apply theoretical principles and concepts to practice.

How You'll Learn

There are a range of teaching methods on this course

You will be assessed via written work and on placement

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

Methods of teaching and learning will include:

  • Formal lectures
  • Group and individual tutorials
  • Discussion and debate
  • Simulated practice in skills laboratory
  • Reflection
  • Experiential learning
  • Directed study using e-learning workshops, seminars and presentations

You will be assessed through an assignment and a portfolio of evidence. You will also be assessed by a clinical placement mentor.

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt in the field. Placements are offered in a wide range of practice areas across the country. The duration of placement will be tailored to individual student needs and requirements. Students are supported in clinical placements by experienced Practice Education Facilitators (PEFs).

Your Future Career

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

LatestNews

All News

Results

Study shows redesigned online learning environment boosts Nursing students’ engagement and confidence

January 21, 2026
Nursing studying

Student Harry to tackle Snowdon challenge in aid of blood cancer charity

January 16, 2026
A man sitting on a rock at the top of a mountain, behind a plaque.

Fantastic four students take on 60km charity walk challenge

November 26, 2025
Left to right: Bradlee, Ella, Harvey and Adam.

Entry Requirements

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements

This course is available to all practitioners who have previously completed an approved nurse education course and have been registered as a nurse with the NMC, irrespective of location in the UK, but currently do not meet revalidation criteria and registration has lapsed.

Safeguarding / Suitability

All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice.

A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body, there will be a charge for this.

Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service.

For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information, please visit our DBS web pages.

 

 

Fees and Funding

The Return to Practice (RTP) course is funded by NHS England thus there are no fees for students to pay.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Course specific additional costs

The RTP student is responsible for the subscription fees that are a requirement of the NMC to re-register. This is on the successful completion of the course.

The RTP student will be expected to travel to university and their placements, and will be responsible for their own travel placement costs.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Jennie Beattie

Senior Lecturer
Dr Jennie Beattie

Enquire about a course