Healthcare Training Courses

Healthcare Training

A career in nursing

Working as a nurse in the NHS is a dynamic and rewarding career where no two days are the same. Nurses are at the heart of patient care, with the option to work in diverse settings like hospital wards, operating theatres, schools, and even patients' homes. The role also offers opportunities for specialisation in areas such as neonatal care, theatre nursing, learning disabilities, and mental health. It's a career that combines compassion, expertise, and adaptability, making a real difference in people's lives every day.

Advanced training courses

Career progression in nursing

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is vital for career advancement in nursing, as it ensures practitioners stay up to date with the latest medical knowledge, techniques, and best practices.

  • Advancement training is essential for nurses looking to advance their careers into roles such as clinical team leader, ward manager, matron, or even director of nursing, as it ensures they stay updated with best practices and develop the skills needed for leadership positions.
  • Further postgraduate studies can pave the way to roles such as district nurse, health visitor, advanced clinical practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse consultant.
  • CPD not only enhances clinical skills but also prepares nurses for leadership roles through programmes such as those offered by the NHS Leadership Academy.
  • The Royal College of Nursing and Health Education England's career resource empowers nurses to strategically plan and refine their professional growth.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

CPD training courses for nurses

Nurses looking to enhance their professional skill set and meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements have a variety of options available. Training courses designed to develop advanced clinical expertise can be accessed both online and onsite, providing flexibility to suit busy schedules. By taking advantage of these learning opportunities, nurses can remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation and deliver the highest standard of care.

A list of courses include:

  • Advanced clinical assessment skills for nurses
  • ECG interpretation training courses
  • Healthcare assistant courses
  • Interpretation of blood results
  • Spirometry recording and reporting
  • Urinary catheterisation training
  • Venepuncture training

Clinical expertise training

Skills covered in CPD nurse training courses

Pursuing further education equips nurses with invaluable skills that are crucial for career advancement. Advanced coursework enhances clinical expertise, fosters critical thinking, and sharpens decision-making abilities, enabling them to tackle complex patient care scenarios with confidence. Additionally, it develops leadership and communication skills, essential for collaborative healthcare environments and managerial roles.

A list if skills and knowledge obtained include:

  • History-taking and systems review.
  • ENT and eye examination, assessment of skin conditions.
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory assessment.
  • Abdominal, thyroid, and locomotor assessment.
  • Neurological examination.
  • NEWS 2 scoring.
  • Public health and health promotion.
  • Medicines management.
  • Delegation skills.
  • Fluid balance monitoring.
  • Understanding presentations of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
  • Performing basic locomotor examination.
  • Documenting findings relevant to clinical practice.

CPD nursing courses

Finding the right CPD nursing courses

Royal College of Nursing

Finding a suitable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course for nursing requires thoughtful consideration of your career goals and current skillset. Begin by assessing the areas you'd like to specialise in or improve, such as advanced clinical skills, leadership, or patient care.

Research accredited providers to ensure the course meets professional standards and offers recognised credentials. The Royal College of Nursing offers a valuable resource with its forums, where fellow nurses share advice and recommendations for high-quality CPD courses.

Engaging in these discussions can help you identify programmes tailored to your professional needs while connecting you with peers who share similar development goals.

Study job adverts

Attain an understanding of the skills and qualifications most valued in your field. A great way to do this is by studying job adverts for roles you're interested in; these often highlight essential or desirable qualifications and training that employers seek. Look for patterns in the requirements, such as specific certifications in areas like infection control, palliative care, or advanced nursing practices. Once you identify common themes, search for CPD courses that align with these needs and consider whether the course provider is accredited, as this ensures the training meets industry standards.

Finally, choose a course format—online or in-person—that fits your schedule and learning preferences to help you stay engaged and maximise the benefits of your development.

Contact universities and colleges

Research universities and colleges offering CPD programmes in nursing, as they can provide detailed information about course content, fees, and funding options. Don't hesitate to contact them directly for additional clarification, including the level of flexibility they offer to accommodate your current work schedule.

Reading reviews or testimonials from fellow nurses can also provide valuable insights into the course's quality and practical value.

Aligning with ambition and lifestyle

Finding a suitable course for nursing involves careful consideration of both your professional goals and personal circumstances. Start by evaluating what opportunities the course could open up, such as specialising in a particular field or advancing into leadership roles. Next, assess the course's timing and format—does it fit around your work shifts and family commitments? Some courses offer flexible online options, which can ease the pressures of balancing multiple responsibilities.

Funding is another important factor; check whether your employer provides financial support or if there are grants available for healthcare professionals.

Advanced clinical assessment skills

Advanced clinical assessment skills for nurses

An Advanced Clinical Assessment Skills for Nurses course empowers nurses with the expertise needed to elevate their clinical practice and progress in their careers.

  • Advanced clinical practice development

    - gives professionals with a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the evolution of advanced clinical practice, alongside enhanced abilities to perform detailed patient assessments and make informed clinical decisions.

  • Competency and regulation

    - equips healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of regulation and the importance of maintaining competency in clinical practice.

  • History-taking strategies

    - participants develop comprehensive history-taking strategies tailored to various healthcare settings, enhancing their ability to gather accurate and relevant patient information.

  • General and neurological examinations

    - qualified nurses will have the ability to perform comprehensive general examinations, interpret observations using the NEWS2 score system, and carry out screening neurological assessments tailored to clinical practice.

  • Thyroid gland examination

    - by completing the course, nurses will gain a thorough understanding of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism presentations, as well as the ability to effectively conduct a comprehensive thyroid gland examination.

  • Other advanced clinical assessment skills learnt include - locomotor examination, documentation, prescribing.

ECG training courses

ECG interpretation training course for nurses

An ECG Interpretation Training Course for Nurses equips healthcare professionals with essential skills to read and analyse ECGs effectively. By mastering this capability, nurses can enhance clinical decision-making and contribute to improved patient safety.

Some skills gained include:

  • ECG basics

    - gives nurses a fundamental understanding of ECG basics, including the skills needed to interpret and analyse electrocardiograms accurately.

  • Cardiac conduction

    - gain a comprehensive understanding of cardiac conduction, enabling practitioners to accurately analyse and interpret electrocardiogram results.

  • PQRST

    - learn the essential skill of recognising and analysing PQRST waves, enabling accurate identification of cardiac rhythms and abnormalities.

  • Technology utilization

    - nurses will know the essential skill of effectively using advanced technology for accurate and efficient ECG interpretation.

  • Rhythm strip analysis

    - understand the essential skill of rhythm strip analysis, enabling nurses to accurately evaluate cardiac rhythms and identify potential abnormalities.

  • Arrhythmia recognition

    - having the ability to identify sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, and tachycardia accurately and confidently.

  • Other ECG interpretation skills gained include - heart blocks, atrial fibrillation, bundle branch blocks, ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial conditions, syndromes and conditions.

HCA training courses

Healthcare assistant course for nurses

A healthcare assistant course for nurses provides healthcare assistants with essential knowledge and practical skills to excel in diverse clinical settings. Covering a wide range of topics applicable across healthcare environments, these courses are also an excellent stepping stone for career advancement.

Some skills gained include:

  • Public health & health promotion

    - gain valuable skills in public health principles and learn effective methods to promote health within diverse communities.

  • Observations and monitoring

    - learn essential skills to make accurate observations of patients' conditions, ensuring effective monitoring and supporting high-quality patient care.

  • NEWS 2 scoring

    - have the ability to accurately use the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2 system for effective patient assessment and monitoring.

  • ECG recording

    - learn how to perform and interpret ECG recordings.

  • Urinalysis

    - accurately analyse and interpret urine samples for diagnosing and monitoring patient health.

  • Blood glucose monitoring

    - will enable professionals to accurately measure and assess blood glucose levels for improved patient care.

  • Other healthcare assistance knowledge gained includes - venepuncture, medicines management, preoperative investigations, delegation, fluid balance.

Interpretation of blood results

Interpreting of blood results course for nurses

An interpretation of blood results course empowers nurses and allied healthcare professionals to confidently interpret haematology and biochemistry tests in primary and secondary care settings, ensuring effective patient management.

Interpretation of blood results include:

  • Full blood count and anaemia

    - identify the signs and symptoms of anaemia, as well as differentiate between microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anaemia with confidence.

  • Red cell indices and polycythaemia

    - analyse red cell indices and identify various causes of raised haemoglobin, enhancing their diagnostic skills in managing conditions like polycythaemia.

  • Sickle cell and thalassaemia

    - gain the ability to accurately understand and analyse conditions such as sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease, and various thalassaemia's, enhancing their diagnostic and patient care skills.

  • White cell count

    - differentiate between various white blood cells, and understand the underlying causes of abnormalities in their levels.

  • Platelets and coagulation

    - differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways, interpret clotting screens, understand platelet function, and identify the causes of platelet variations.

  • B12, folate, and iron studies

    - understanding B12, folate, and iron studies, and providing insights into the reasons behind abnormal findings.

  • Other interpretations includes - Urea & electrolytes, diabetes and thyroid conditions, liver function tests and bone profile, other biochemistry and cancer markers, disease markers and cardiac tests, statins, lipids and coronary risk, triaging blood results.

Spirometry training courses

Spirometry recording and reporting

A Spirometry Recording and Reporting course for nurses offers an easy-to-follow guide to analysing flow volume loops, time volume curves, and numerical data, while also covering regulations and best practice standards.

Some skills gained include:

  • History-taking

    - learn essential skills to take detailed patient histories relevant to spirometry, ensuring accurate assessments and effective respiratory care.

  • Spirometry devices

    - gain hands-on experience with various spirometry devices and enhance your skills in accurately recording and interpreting spirometry results.

  • Terminology and measurements

    - gain a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and measurements used in spirometry, enabling accurate interpretation and effective patient care.

  • NICE guidelines

    - nurses will be equipped with the skills to accurately perform and interpret spirometry tests, alongside a solid understanding of NICE guidelines for managing asthma and COPD.

  • Normal limits

    - accurately perform and interpret spirometry tests, including understanding the upper and lower limits of normal values to identify respiratory abnormalities effectively.

  • Global Lung Initiative

    - accurately perform and report on spirometry tests, with a focus on understanding Global Lung Initiative predicted equations and Z scores.

  • Other reporting skills leaned include - pattern recognition, curve interpretation, practical application, ARTP certification.

Urinary catheterization training courses

Urinary catheterization training for nurses and doctors

Urinary Catheterisation Training course equips healthcare professionals with practical skills for both male and female catheterisation procedures. Designed for nurses and doctors, this course focuses on hands-on experience and professional competence.

Some skills gained include:

  • Indications

    - accurately identify appropriate indications for catheterisation, ensuring safe and effective patient care.

  • Catheter selection

    - training provides nurses and doctors with the essential skills to select the correct catheter for each patient, ensuring safe and effective care.

  • Meatal cleansing

    - learn the correct procedures for meatal cleansing, ensuring patient safety and reducing the risk of infection.

  • Care of supra-pubic catheter

    - expertly care for a supra-pubic catheter, including proper maintenance, infection prevention, and patient education techniques.

  • Troubleshooting

    - learn to troubleshoot potential issues during catheterization.

  • Other skills leant on a urinary catheterisation training course - related anatomy, professional issues, accountability, competency, consent, saving lives agenda, competency framework.

Venepuncture training courses

Venepuncture training for nurses

A Venepuncture Training course equips nurses with the skills to safely carry out venepuncture using the Vacutainer system, helping them build both competence and confidence in their practice.

Some skills gained include:

  • Safe venepuncture technique

    - learn how to perform safe and efficient blood collection using the Vacutainer system, ensuring patient comfort and reducing the risk of complications.

  • Competence and confidence

    - perform the procedure accurately and safely, while boosting their confidence in delivering patient care.

Common questions

After qualifying as an adult nurse, ongoing training and development are vital to ensure skills and knowledge remain up to date in an ever-evolving healthcare environment. Nurses have opportunities to specialise in fields such as operating theatres, geriatric care, or intensive care, allowing them to focus on areas they are passionate about. For those interested in broader career progression, there are pathways into management roles or clinical academic research.

Additionally, the NHS Leadership Academy offers tailored programs designed to equip nurses with the skills needed to excel in leadership positions, fostering both personal and professional growth within the healthcare sector.

Revalidation is a mandatory process introduced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to ensure nurses and midwives continue to practise safely and effectively. Required every three years to maintain registration, it provides an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their commitment to upholding high standards of care through reflective practice, continuous learning, and adherence to the NMC Code.

By engaging in this process, it not only reinforces public trust in the profession but also supports nurses and midwives in their professional development, ensuring they remain up-to-date with advancements and best practices in healthcare.

Nurses within the NHS have several opportunities for career progression, each tailored to their interests and skills. With experience, you can step into leadership roles such as clinical team leader or ward manager, overseeing teams and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. Those with a passion for management may advance to roles like matron or director of nursing, taking on wider organisational responsibilities. Alternatively, you might choose to specialise in specific areas such as intensive care, theatre work, or paediatrics, providing advanced expertise in these fields.

Further training can open doors to advanced roles like advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse consultant, allowing you to take on greater autonomy, influence clinical practices, and lead on patient care innovations. Whatever path you choose, the NHS offers a wealth of opportunities to grow and thrive in your nursing career.

A nursing career pathway offers a structured yet flexible progression route for individuals passionate about healthcare. It begins with the role of a Nursing Assistant, where no formal qualifications are needed, but some care experience is beneficial. From here, you can advance to become a Registered Nurse Associate, a qualified professional responsible for delivering and evaluating patient care. Newly graduated nurses often start as Staff Nurses, and with 12-18 months of experience, they can progress to a Senior Staff Nurse role by pursuing postgraduate qualifications. Leadership and management aspirations come into play with positions such as Deputy Sister, Charge Nurse, or Team Leader, which bridge frontline care with developmental specialisation. Those looking to spearhead more significant responsibilities can work towards becoming a Senior Sister or Charge Nurse, which demands acute care experience and postgraduate academic achievements.

For those aiming for senior leadership roles, opportunities such as Matron, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, or Specialist Nurse Educator allow for strategic contributions in clinical, educational, or academic settings. Professionals with extensive expertise may pursue roles like Consultant Nurse, Divisional Nurse, or eventually rise to Chief Nursing Officer—the pinnacle of trust-wide nursing leadership and strategic planning. This pathway is adaptable, allowing nurses to explore specialist areas, undertake additional training, and carve out a career aligned with their interests and goals, all while making a meaningful impact in healthcare delivery.

Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) is a formal process that recognises and gives credit for learning you've already achieved through previous education, professional experience, or training.

By evidencing your existing knowledge, skills, or qualifications, APL allows you to gain credit towards a new qualification, potentially shortening the length of your study programme. It prevents you from revisiting material you've already mastered, enabling you to focus on developing new skills and knowledge while advancing your academic or professional goals.

If you hold an active nursing registration but are not currently working in clinical practice, there are resources available to help you prepare for a return. The "Back to the Floor" online training programme, offered on the eLearning for Health platform, is specifically designed for nurses in your position.

This programme provides comprehensive training to refresh your skills and boost your confidence, ensuring you feel well-prepared to re-enter the workplace.

Nurses have a wealth of career change options, thanks to their diverse skill set and healthcare expertise. Some choose to specialise further, moving into roles like midwifery or physical therapy, while others transition into social care work, providing essential support to vulnerable groups. For those drawn to education, becoming a university lecturer in nursing allows them to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Alternatively, steps into advisory roles such as health consultancy, counselling, or healthcare management offer opportunities to influence and improve broader systems within the sector. With so many paths available, nurses can tailor their careers to align with their passions and long-term goals.

When considering a career change from nursing, it's important to evaluate several key factors to ensure the decision aligns with your personal and professional goals. Start by identifying your interests and priorities—are you drawn to leadership roles, or do you prefer to remain connected to healthcare in a non-clinical capacity? Reflect on your values and objectives, such as work-life balance, financial stability, or opportunities for growth. Research potential career pathways to understand what additional skills, certifications, or training might be necessary, and compare potential salaries to determine if the shift is financially viable.

Ultimately, any new career path should support your desired lifestyle while leveraging your expertise and aligning with what matters most to you.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a vital component of any nursing career, fostering both personal growth and professional advancement. By engaging in CPD, nurses ensure their knowledge remains current, allowing them to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care to patients. Healthcare organisations, such as the NHS, often require CPD as part of their regulatory standards to maintain high-quality care.

Beyond meeting these professional requirements, CPD empowers nurses to build expertise in specialised areas, opening doors to advanced roles, leadership opportunities, and improved job satisfaction. Investing in continuous education not only benefits patients but also positions nurses as valued and capable professionals in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Nurses require a diverse range of skills to deliver exceptional care and meet the demands of their profession. Sensitivity and understanding are essential for empathising with patients, while the ability to work well with others ensures effective collaboration within healthcare teams. A strong desire to help others, combined with a sound knowledge of psychology, allows nurses to support patients both physically and emotionally. Attention to detail and excellent customer service skills are critical for ensuring treatment accuracy and maintaining patient satisfaction. Nurses must also thrive under pressure and remain composed in high-stress situations.

Additionally, computer literacy has become increasingly vital, as digital tools and record-keeping are now integral parts of healthcare delivery. Together, these skills empower nurses to provide outstanding care in every scenario.

To pursue a career as a registered adult nurse in the UK, you'll need to complete a nursing programme approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The most common route is obtaining a nursing degree, which typically requires three years of full-time study. Alternatively, you can opt for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. This pathway blends academic studies with on-the-job training and takes around four years to complete. Both options prepare you for registration with the NMC, a requirement for practising as a nurse.

To gain entry to these courses, you'll generally need GCSEs in English, maths, and science. A levels, a level 3 diploma, or an access to higher education qualification in health, science, or nursing are also commonly required. Admission requirements may vary between institutions, so it's essential to verify specific criteria with the university or apprenticeship provider to ensure you meet their standards.