Surgical Care Practitioner Programmes

Providing a quality mark for surgical education

Surgical Care Practitioners (SCPs) are playing a growing role in the surgical team. It is therefore vital that their education and training is of a high standard. To support this, the RCS has developed a Curriculum Framework for use by higher education institutions (HEIs) providing SCP programmes.

Institutions wishing to gain accreditation for their SCP Programmes need to apply to the RCS. The accreditation process has been designed to articulate closely with the course validation and quality assurance requirements that are common to most universities. The accreditation process includes a review of programme documents and materials, and a panel visit.

Benefits of RCS accreditation

Having a SCP programme accredited will demonstrate that the programme meets the standards as defined by the RCS, and that it offers a high-quality learning experience. Recognition of these factors may assist in attracting students. Accredited programmes will also receive the following benefits:

• Peer review from a panel of leading surgeons
• Use of the RCS Logo on programme materials and website
• Use of the strap line 'Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England'
• Listing on the RCS Website
• Listing on RCS Accreditation Portal
• Listing in RCS Bulletin
• Use of RCS participant evaluation materials

Please visit theRCS Accreditation Portal under SCP Programmes, and for the fee structure.

RCS Accreditation cycle

Apply now

Please note that the College does not review applications retrospectively and that any application should be made for a future event.

In order to apply for your activity to be accredited for the purposes of Surgical Care Practitioner Programmes, please select the link below: