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.