Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential part of life for physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists, and other MSK professionals. It ensures that practitioners keep their knowledge and skills up to date, stay aligned with professional standards, and ultimately deliver the best possible care to patients.
But while the importance of CPD is clear, the reality is that many clinicians find it difficult to juggle CPD with the demands of a busy clinic schedule. Between patient appointments, admin, and personal commitments, CPD can often slip down the priority list.
So how can MSK practitioners strike a balance?
1. Understand Your CPD Requirements
Each professional body (e.g., HCPC, GOsC, GCC, CSP, HCPC etc.) sets its own CPD requirements. These usually involve:
A minimum number of hours per year (or over a rolling cycle).
A variety of learning methods (formal courses, reflective practice, peer learning, reading, workshops).
Evidence of reflection – not just attendance.
The first step is to be clear on what you need to do. Many practitioners lose valuable time attending events that don’t actually align with their professional body’s requirements.
2. Plan Ahead, Don’t Rush
Just like with patient care, consistency beats intensity. Instead of cramming all your CPD into the last few months of the cycle, build it into your routine throughout the year.
👉 Tip: At the start of each year, map out which CPD events, online courses, or workshops you want to attend. Use a calendar (like our MSK Jobs CPD Calendar) to spot opportunities early and plan around clinic commitments.
3. Mix Online and In-Person Learning
The rise of online CPD has been a game-changer for busy practitioners. Webinars, recorded lectures, and online workshops mean you can learn at times that suit you — evenings, lunch breaks, or quieter clinic days.
That said, in-person events still have huge value, especially for networking, practical skills, and hands-on techniques. A blended approach works best.
4. Protect Your CPD Time Like a Patient Appointment
If you don’t block out time for CPD, it will always get pushed aside by patient bookings or admin. Treat CPD sessions with the same importance as seeing a patient:
Book it into your diary in advance.
Let colleagues or reception staff know you’re unavailable.
Switch off notifications to stay focused.
5. Learn on the Job
Not all CPD has to be formal. Many professional bodies accept self-directed learning and reflective practice:
Writing up case reflections.
Shadowing colleagues.
Reviewing new research papers.
Discussing complex cases in peer groups.
These activities can be fitted into your everyday clinical routine, turning work into learning opportunities.
6. Collaborate With Your Clinic
If you’re employed or an associate, ask your clinic about supporting CPD:
Can they contribute towards course costs?
Will they allow you protected time for training?
Could the whole team benefit from an in-house workshop?
Many clinics are happy to invest in CPD because it benefits both the practitioner and the business.
7. Keep Your Evidence Organised
Nothing is more stressful than scrambling for certificates and notes when you’re audited. Create a system (digital or paper) to store:
Certificates of attendance.
Notes or reflections from events.
Summaries of journal articles read.
👉 Tip: Dedicate 10 minutes after each CPD activity to update your portfolio.
Final Thoughts
Balancing CPD with a busy clinic schedule isn’t easy, but with planning, flexibility, and the right resources, it can be achieved without burning out. The key is to view CPD not as a burden, but as an investment in your career, your patients, and your long-term professional development.
At MSK Jobs, we’re committed to supporting practitioners not only in finding great roles but also in keeping on top of their professional growth. Our CPD Events Calendar brings together upcoming training opportunities in one place, so you can easily plan your learning around your clinical commitments.
👉 Explore the CPD Calendar now
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