Diploma for Cardiothoracic Surgeons Care Practitioners

Important messages from the exam administrator, Helen Rodriquez.

The syllabus for this exam is based on the Cardiothoracic theoretical knowledge and clinical/ technical skills listed in the Curriculum Framework for Surgical Care Practitioners (Sections 3A/3b pages 62-64).

You can download this document here.

Curriculum Framework for SCP.pdf

Candidates can only sit the examination if they have been in post for a minimum of 1 year. This condition was set originally by the RCS and the SCTS and is not negotiable.

Diploma certificates cannot be issued until the candidate has been in post for a minimum of 2 years irrespective of when they sat the exam. In order to issue these certificates, we need a signed letter from their supervising consultant confirming the SCP has been in post for 2 years and that the SCP is performing to the standard required in that hospital. Again, this condition was set by RCS & SCTS and is not negotiable .

The closing date will be strictly enforced. Closing date likely to be mid to late July (depending on exam date in November) .

Alternative venue may be sought for the exam depending on projected candidate numbers.

 It is the responsibility of the SCP (or their centre) to advise Helen Rodriquez of the SCPs existence. This can be done with a quick phone call to 01480 364299.

The sooner we know about the SCP, the easier it is to plan the exam and ensure they receive their exam invitation pack at the appropriate time. If we do not know of their existence, they will not receive their exam invitation .

This is a voluntary exam and, as such, is administered voluntarily by Helen and her colleagues.