Membership of the MACP offers a wide variety of career opportunities in the musculoskeletal field including extended scope practitioner posts in orthopaedic, neurology or rheumatology clinics, teaching on undergraduate or post-graduate courses, research opportunities and working in private practice. MACP membership can assist members when seeking new jobs and promotion.

The following scenarios demonstrate some of the career pathways that have been undertaken by MACP members.

Extended scope of practice

One member undertook an MSc in musculoskeletal physiotherapy with eligibility for MACP membership and on successful completion was able to secure an extended scope practitioner post in a rheumatology clinic. Having MACP membership demonstrated that the member had the necessary clinical skills for such a post. These posts are being increasingly recognised within the NHS, and are extending clinical boundaries and enhancing the profile of physiotherapy in the health care professions. Members undertaking such posts need to have a high level of clinical skills, MACP membership identifies a recognised level of attainment.

Teaching

Following work in the NHS this member undertook a full time Master's course which included MACP membership on successful completion. The main aim of enrolling on the MSc was to gain membership of the MACP and to enhance clinical skills. On completion of the post graduate diploma part of the course, the member was able to secure a senior position at a large London teaching hospital. The hospital provided study leave which enabled the member to complete her research. Further promotion followed which was certainly facilitated by having a recognised qualification. MACP membership was deemed to be very important at this particular hospital.

Being a member of the MACP has enabled the member to be involved in teaching on post graduate weekend courses, to examine for the self directed pathway, to review books for Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy on behalf of the MACP, and to represent the MACP at CSP meetings. This has increased her understanding of professional issues.

Her recognised clinical expertise assisted her in obtaining a full time post as a senior lecturer at a university, lecturing and examining on both an undergraduate physiotherapy programme and more recently on a new Master's course in neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy which has full MACP exemption. She is currently involved in MACP committee activities.

Research

One member has recently been awarded a PhD for her work in the musculoskeletal field. Following many years in clinical practicethis member undertook an MSc which included eligibility for MACP membership. She believes that the critical thinking advocated by both the MACP and the MSc course helped her to formulate her research questions. Membership of the MACP in particular gave her the tools to examine tissues differentially and develop hypotheses on their integrated function. Continued clinical practice and CPD via the MACP and other scientific and professional conferences continues to stimulate and help direct her research. MACP membership is also important in maintaining and developing her clinical skills.

Private practice

One member who joined the MACP 8 years ago considers that MACP membership has assisted her in seeking promotion. As a junior she was keen to work toward MACP membership and this helped in selection for a Senior II post. Having achieved MACP membership via the self directed pathway she moved to a private hospital and was able to negotiate favourable terms and conditions using MACP membership as a recognised standard. Once there she was able to keep up to date with musculoskeletal activities and developments through her local MACP branch. Further promotion to a manager's position that included a clinical component followed. Again using the MACP standard of recognised clinical skills in the musculoskeletal field certainly helped to secure this position. The member now has two children and works part time in a large private practice which is staffed only by MACP members. The practice takes MSc students who are undertaking courses with MACP exemption on clinical placement. There is also regular in service training from recognised experts in the field.

Clinical and teaching combined role

This member joined the MACP after successfully completing the self directed pathway. Following this achievement she was promoted to superintendent III and took on responsibility for training in the district. She undertook another senior position in a department that recognised the importance of MACP membership after networking with MACP contacts. The member then went to Australia to undertake a post graduate diploma in Manipulative Therapy. In those days it was difficult to be accepted on these courses if you were from overseas and MACP membership may certainly have helped to ensure her selection. On her return to the UK she became a clinical supervisor and lecturer on one of the MSc courses with MACP exemption and was also an examiner for the self directed pathway process. From the mid 90s this member has been headhunted both in the NHS and private sector and in her current clinical post was able to negotiate a favourable package of salary and conditions. She also lectures extensively both in the UK and abroad to physiotherapists, doctors and other colleagues and leads musculoskeletal courses for physiotherapists wishing to undertake the self directed pathway and teaches on MSc courses with MACP exemption. She is also involved in MACP committee activities.