Out of Programme Training (OOPT)

You can apply for time you spend out of programme on fellowships, both in Ireland and overseas, to count towards training. There are restrictions on the amount of OOP training you can count towards training, and these restrictions are as follows:

  • Across the whole of your training a maximum of 24 months OOP can be counted towards training

To go on OOP training you will need to:

  • Discuss your intention with your Training Programme Director (TPD) and gain their support
  • Contact the RCS Ireland and ask what applications you need to make to them to gain their support
  • Once you have the support of your TPD, you will need to make an initial application to your SAC for prospective/provisional support

Applying for SAC provisional support

Before you start you will need to send the JCST:

  • A letter of support from your TPD showing:
  1. The exact dates of your fellowship/OOPT period
  2. Whether the time is counting towards training
  • A signed offer letter
  • Job description
  • An educational contract signed by you and your fellowship supervisor, which includes details of:
  1. Learning agreements and objectives
  2. Your timetable
  • Name and contact details of your fellowship supervisor
  • Up to date CV

In addition to the above:

Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery trainees will need to submit:

  • Logbooks from two previous incumbents of the post or a report from the supervisor on the expected number of operations

Neurosurgery trainees will need to submit:

  • Their current logbook listed by SAC Indicative Operation Groups

Applying for SAC support for an OOPT extension

If your OOP training is extended beyond the original dates set, you will need to send the JCST:

  • A letter/email of support from your TPD
  • Confirmation that the RCS Ireland is aware of the extension and the extension dates
  • A signed offer letter for the extension period
  • Up to date CV
  • A consolidated logbook covering the OOPT period so far, clearly stating the dates it covers (dd/mm/yyyy)
  • A consolidated logbook covering the whole of your training so far, clearly stating the dates it covers (dd/mm/yyyy)

When you have completed your period of OOP training, your RITA panel should assess it has met training standards as well as confirm that you are on track for the award of your certificate.