Higher Training Scheme update
The BAA has been reviewing the Higher Training Scheme (HTS) as it is now over 12 years since the scheme was introduced. Following a membership consultation last year, there was still overwhelming support for the scheme and its continuation, as it is highly regarded within the profession.
In order to ensure the scheme is fit for the future, a number of changes have been proposed. These include a time limit to complete modules, updating the examination process to include pre-requisites and training for examiners, reviewing and updating the clinical modules, and no longer continuing with the non-clinical modules.
First steps
The changes come in two stages. Some will be immediate and will be incorporated into new regulations to be launched towards the end of the summer/autumn. Examiners and the BAA board members are being consulted about this. In parallel, the BAA has written to the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) regarding the removal of the non-clinical modules as being compulsory for the stage one route to the Certificate of Attainment, for those wishing to gain Clinical Scientist registration via the ACS.
The second stage will consider amending the examination process to make it more efficient in terms of resources, whilst maintaining the expected clinical standards. There will also be a review of the clinical modules.
Non-clinical modules
Once the new regulations are approved, the membership will be given 12 months notice to submit any non-clinical module portfolios for examination, after which time examination will no longer be possible.
The HTS review has resulted in opportunities for more members to get involved in the HTS scheme, either as part of the HTS Sub-committee or as an examiner. If you are interested in getting involved in the Sub-committee please let the BAA know. Once the new regulations are approved we will be writing to all members who are eligible to be examiners to ask if they are willing to become an examiner.
The BAA is planning an HTS examiner training/update immediately prior to the BAA Conference in Liverpool this year, on Wednesday 13th November 2019 at 3 pm. Please notify BAA if you are able to attend this meeting by emailing admin@baaudiology.org by the 11th of September 2019.
Further details will be sent out nearer the time and there will also be opportunities for the wider membership to hear about the scheme and the recent changes at the BAA Conference this year.