What is the difference between a LAT post and a LAS post?
BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7479.s236 (Published 11 December 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:s236
Abstract
Have a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
LAS (locum appointment for service) and LAT (locum appointment for training) posts are at registrar grade; the service element (such as clinics, lists, and on-call duties) are the same. The difference between the posts lies in the provision and accreditation of training that can be counted towards the subsequent award of a certificate of the completion of specialist training (CCST).
LAS posts provide cover for only the service element of a higher training programme, and can last up to three months. Because of the short term, service based nature of LAS placements, little structured training benefit can be derived from them. They are therefore not approved for official training purposes.
LAT posts are given training recognition in advance, and experience gained while undertaking the post can be counted towards the CCST. LAT posts can last between three months and one year, of which up to one year can be counted towards the CCST.