Time out of Programme

Many trainees consider taking time out of programme (OOP) during their training for a variety of reasons. There are several categories of OOP, and understanding which option is right for you, as well as where to find the relevant information, is not always straightforward.

Some key points to be aware of include:

During any period of approved OOP, you will continue to hold your National Training Number (NTN)
You can request for some of your OOP time to count towards your clinical training and Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), up to a maximum of 12 months. This must be approved by the JRCPTB in advance
OOP requests are not usually approved until you have been in a training programme for at least one year by the time your OOP begins
OOP cannot be undertaken during the final year of a training programme
Applications for OOP should be submitted at least six months before your proposed start date

Categories of OOP

There are four main categories of time out of programme (OOP). The most appropriate option will depend on what you hope to achieve during your time away from your training programme.

OOPT: Time Out of Programme for Training

OOPT allows you to undertake clinical training that is not part of your current specialty training programme.

This may include:

An "acting up" consultant post during the final year of training
An overseas training post
A UK training post that is not already part of a GMC-approved programme in the same specialty

Where GMC approval is required, this must be obtained prospectively before the placement begins.

OOPE: Time Out of Programme for Experience

OOPE provides an opportunity to gain skills and experience that will enhance your future practice but do not form part of your training curriculum.

This might include experience in:

Medical leadership
Medical education
Academia
Patient safety
Additional clinical experience related to, but not covered by, your curriculum

OOPE can also provide opportunities to work in different healthcare settings, both in the UK and internationally, including with organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and Voluntary Service Overseas. Such experience may benefit you as a doctor, for example by working in a different healthcare environment or country.

OOPR: Out of Programme for Research

OOPR allows you to take time out of training to undertake research, usually leading to an MSc, MD or PhD. This is typically for up to three years. In exceptional circumstances, an extension beyond three years may be approved by the Postgraduate Dean.

OOPC: Out of Programme for a Career Break

OOPC allows you to take a planned break from training to pursue other interests or responsibilities. This might include maternity or paternity leave, caring responsibilities, working in industry, entrepreneurship, or developing interests outside medicine.

OOPC is usually granted for up to one year but may be extended to a maximum of two years following discussion with the Postgraduate Dean. It should not be used to manage health-related issues.

Training Credit and CCT

Time spent on OOPT and OOPR may count towards your training and CCT. Time spent on OOPE and OOPC does not count towards training or CCT.

Helpful information

Most deaneries and local education and training bodies (LETBs) require at least six months’ notice for an OOP application, so it is important to plan ahead
Speak to your Training Programme Director (TPD) as early as possible, ideally when you first start considering an OOP and before making any applications. Early discussions can help you understand your options and allow sufficient time for workforce planning during your absence
Once you have the support of your TPD and educational supervisor, your Postgraduate Dean must provide final approval. This should normally be obtained at least six months before your proposed OOP start date. Check the websites of HEE (England), NES (Scotland), NHS Wales, or NIMDTA (N. Ireland) for specific requirements and local contacts
If you would like time spent on OOPR or OOPT to count towards your CCT, you must apply to the JRCPTB at least eight weeks before your OOP begins. Applications submitted later may not be considered for training credit. To make a request, visit the OOP section of the JRCPTB website. Supporting documents usually include deanery approval, an up-to-date CV, and a job description or research proposal
Even if you are not seeking CCT credit, your OOP should still be registered with the JRCPTB, so your training record can be updated. In this case, deanery approval is usually the only additional document required
OOPs taking place at locations or on programmes that are not pre-approved by the GMC require further approval from the GMC once the OOP application has been approved by the JRCPTB. The JRCPTB states that your deanery is responsible for seeking GMC approval where required, but you should check local arrangements to ensure this has been actioned
If you are on an OOP, you must continue to take part in the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP). This includes reviewing your progress, maintaining appropriate competencies and planning your return to training. For OOPs lasting longer than one year, this process takes place annually
When returning to clinical training, support and resources are available through your deanery and Training Programme Director (TPD). Depending on the length and nature of your time away from clinical practice, you may be eligible for a phased return-to-work programme. This can be particularly helpful following OOPR with no clinical component for more than three months, or OOPC with no clinical contact. These arrangements are usually coordinated locally through your TPD

Useful links

Written by:

Dr Alex Teagle