PgCert and Micro-Credentials in Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Bromley Emergency Courses have teamed up with Canterbury Christ Church University to deliver a programme of point-of-care ultrasound credentials including a postgraduate certificate (PgCert) and micro-credentials.
This programme is suitable for clinicians working in acute care settings, including emergency medicine, acute medicine, intensive care, and emergency surgery. However, it is also beneficial for a wide range of healthcare professionals interested in developing their ultrasound skills. The flexible structure makes it accessible for full-time working professionals. Scroll down to find out more.
Watch this two-minute video for an overview of our PgCert and Micro-Credentials in PoCUS programme.
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Ultrasound Micro-Credentials
A micro-credential is a short, specific course of study, with an assessment which earns credits. The Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme is a national UK university scheme that enables credits to be earned and accumulated.
Each of our micro-credentials is worth 10 credits with each credit representing the notional equivalent of 10 hours of study.
Studying for a micro-credential is a good way to consolidate knowledge and skills in a particular clinical area, for example cardiac or abdominal ultrasound. It will help the clinician to be more confident in understanding the role ultrasound can play in point-of-care decisions and to be more confident in obtaining and interpreting images.
PgCert in PoCUS
A postgraduate certificate is a well-recognised type of credential, commonly awarded by universities and other academic institutions. A PgCert is typically worth 60 credits, by comparison a postgraduate diploma is 120 credits and a master’s degree is 180 credits.
Our PgCert in Point-of-Care Ultrasound is awarded upon successful completion of six modules, each worth 10 credits, to meet the 60-credit requirement.
This level of training is aimed at clinicians who use ultrasound skills as part of their clinical work and want to obtain an in-depth understanding of ultrasound technology and applications in acute settings. It is particularly suitable for those interested in teaching ultrasound skills to others.
Programme Structure
Our micro-credentials and PgCert modules are the same; they are referred to as modules when part of a PgCert and as micro-credentials when taken independently. You can only enrol on up to two micro-credentials (PgCert modules) per term. We offer the following:
Entry Requirements
All applicants need to have had some previous experience with ultrasound and be confident that they can manage the theoretical and practical learning required on the course.
Candidates also need to meet the following criteria:
- Professional Registration: Registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), or Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Educational Background: A relevant first degree, such as MB BS (or equivalent), or a bachelor’s degree, ideally at first-class or 2:1 level.
- Clinical Experience: Employment in an appropriate clinical role, with experience relevant to the use of ultrasound in practice.
Study Pathways
You can:
- enter directly into the PgCert programme (in this case, you should not apply for individual micro-credentials, you will be able to specify which modules you will take each term once your application has been accepted),
- take individual micro-credentials, or
- take individual micro-credentials then transfer across to the PgCert programme with the credits already obtained (but you must make the decision prior to completing your 4th micro-credential).
Each micro-credential lasts 10 weeks. As candidates can complete up to two micro-credentials/modules per term, it is possible to finish the PgCert within one year. However, you may take up to three years to complete it.
Fees and Registration
Each micro-credential costs £450. The PgCert costs £2,700, but you will only pay for the modules you attend each term. Prices are expected to increase in the next academic year, starting September 2025.
Registration for the PgCert and micro-credentials is managed through Canterbury Christ Church University. Registration links can be found on the PgCert page and the individual micro-credential pages on our website.
Not all micro-credentials are offered every term. If a specific micro-credential is not available in the current term, please email us to register your interest for future dates. This way, we can notify you when new dates become available.
Please watch our step-by-step guidance on the application process if you encounter any difficulties applying for the PgCert or a micro-credential.
Step-by-Step Guidance on the Application Process
Term Content Breakdown
How You Will Learn
Each micro-credential (PgCert module) requires 100 hours of notional study, most of which will be self-directed learning. However, you must also complete at least 21 hours of in-person, hands-on training at our London-based training centre for your first module, and 15 hours for each subsequent module. This doesn’t apply to the Ultrasound Image Acquisition and Optimisation which is run fully online.
- Online Learning:Â Each micro-credential includes online videos to support your theoretical understanding of ultrasound techniques.
- In-Person Workshops: You will attend practical sessions at our training centre in London, where you’ll be scanning human volunteers and state-of-the-art simulators under the supervision of experienced faculty. This will be supported by lectures and live demonstrations.
How You Will Be Assessed
The award of the micro-credential will require the successful completion of both written and practical assessments. The knowledge content will be assessed through a multiple-choice examination, using still images where appropriate. Practical skills will be assessed by obtaining optimal images on healthy volunteers and through obtaining optimal images of simulated pathology on simulators. Please note that attending the required number of in-person practical learning hours is mandatory to finish the micro-credential.
To earn the PgCert in Point-of-Care Ultrasound, you must complete the six required micro-credentials, accumulating a total of 60 credits. The Ultrasound Image Acquisition & Optimisation Micro-credential is mandatory for all participants, while the other five can be selected based on your areas of clinical interest or need.
Schedule
The in-person training sessions will be held on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please note that attendance on the first day and the assessment day is mandatory. Attendance on the second and third days is highly recommended to ensure you receive the foundational knowledge essential for further training. The remaining days are flexible. The schedule for the next term is as follows:
24th April 2025 – core content training day, mandatory to attend
8th May 2025 – core content training day
29th May 2025 – training day
12th June 2025 – training day
19th June 2025 – training day
26th June 2025 – assessment day, mandatory to attend
We may be able to offer an additional session for in-person training, if required.
What doctors say about our PgCert and micro-credentials programme
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