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.
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).
A postgraduate certificate is a well-recognised type of credential, widely delivered by universities and other academic institutions. A PgCert is based on 60 credits, by comparison a postgraduate diploma is 120 credits and a masters degree 180 credits.
This PgCert is based on completing six individual modules of 10 credits each, to reach the 60 credit requirement.
These modules are essentially the same as our micro-credentials, they are simply called modules when they form part of a PgCert and micro-credentials when they are free standing.
Next term dates: 23rd January – 27th March 2025 (click here to view the detailed schedule)
Cost:
£450 for an individual micro-credential
£2700 for the PgCert course (includes 6 modules)
Venue: Terracotta Court (ground floor), 167 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LN
Registration will be through Canterbury Christ Church University.
Please note: You can only enrol on up to two micro-credentials/PgCert modules per term.
Next term (January – March 2025) we are offering the following micro-credentials/PgCert modules:
The following micro-credentials/PgCert modules will be available in a later term:
Please email info@bromleyemergency.com, and we’ll add you to the waiting list. This will ensure you receive a notification when registration for these micro-credentials/PgCert modules opens.
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Why undertake a PgCert or Micro-credentials in PoCUS?
Many clinicians have recognised the enormous potential of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient care. PoCUS adds a new dimension to clinical practice, providing immediate insights that can inform decision-making and treatment strategies.
Who should do a PgCert in PoCUS?
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.
Who should do a Micro-credential?
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.
Entry Requirements
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. 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.
Programme Structure
The PgCert in Point-of-Care Ultrasound is achieved through the successful completion of six modules, each worth 10 credits. The Ultrasound Image Acquisition & Optimisation module is mandatory, while you can choose the remaining five from the following options:
Please note: you can only enrol on up to two micro-credentials (modules) per term.
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:
23rd January 2025 – start date, mandatory to attend
30th January 2025 – core content training day
13th February 2025 – core content training day
20th February 2025 – training day
6th March 2025 – training day
20th March 2025 – training day
27th March 2025 – assessment day, mandatory to attend
We may be able to offer an additional session for in-person training, if required.
What People Say About Our Micro-Credentials
How You Will Learn
Each micro-credential is equivalent to 100 hours of study, which includes at least 21 hours of in-person, hands-on training at our London-based training centre.
- Online Learning: 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.
- Support Between Practical Sessions: In addition to in-person learning, we offer online meetings (via Zoom). During these meetings, you’ll be able to discuss images you’ve taken in the hospital with one of our experienced faculty members.
How You Will Be Assessed
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.
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 normal subjects and through obtaining optimal images of simulated pathology on simulators.
How to Apply
Registration for the PgCert in Point-of-Care Ultrasound is managed through Canterbury Christ Church University.
You can enrol in up to two micro-credentials (modules) at a time, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits your schedule.
If you would like to attend some of the micro-credentials without applying for the PgCert, you can find more details and register for individual micro-credentials via the specific course pages.
Some of the micro-credentials are not run each term. If registration for a specific micro-credential is not available in the current term, please email us to register your interest for future dates. This will ensure that you are notified when the dates are open.
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