Applications are open for the Certificate of Expert Practice (CEP) online courses in leadership and management, quality management, molecular pathology, point-of-care testing (POCT), and training, which will commence in January 2021.
These distance-learning courses are delivered online, using the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which offers flexibility to participants on where and when they access the course.
The deadline for applications for these qualifications has been extended to 18 December and we limit the numbers on each course to 60. The quality management course is now full and cannot take any further applications, but there are a limited number of places still available for the CEPs in leadership and management and training, but these are filling up quickly. We still have places for the molecular pathology and POCT courses.
The CEP in leadership and management has been designed specifically for managers in the pathology environment. This CEP addresses the key elements of the laboratory manager’s role by exploring it in the context of both the organisation and the local team and it also emphasises the importance of the people in the team and working together to achieve successful outcomes.
The CEP in molecular pathology provides a theoretical introduction to the subject and its application. It is intended to support those already trained and experienced in this discipline but who wish, or need, to extend their knowledge and understanding as new molecular techniques are integrated into their work.
The CEP in POCT is essential for anyone preparing to manage a POCT service and also existing POCT managers who feel they would benefit from some supported learning to help them manage an expanding workload and a workforce of largely non-laboratory staff.
The IBMS document Clinical laboratory standards for IBMS qualifications and guidance for training laboratory management and approval strongly recommends that training managers/coordinators within a laboratory undertake the CEP in training. This CEP will also benefit anyone who is interested in understanding about the roles and responsibilities of individuals of laboratory staff, IBMS qualifications, planning laboratory training and different learning and assessment styles.
Each course consists of a common introductory module and then six modules that each last two weeks (with a one-week break in the middle of the course). The modules are delivered in a student-focused format with tasks that help participants to understand the content of the module. A tutor-led forum for each module enables participants to post their responses to these tasks and explore different aspects of the module between the module tutor and the other participants on the course. These forums enable participants to share knowledge, thoughts and experiences, which, from feedback that has been received in the past, we know individuals find valuable for their own workplaces.
The qualifications are assessed through the submission of two assessment pieces (one at the mid-point and the other at the end of the course) and an end-of-course online examination.
ℹ Each qualification costs £685. Only one qualification can be undertaken at a time. Applicants must have Member or Fellow status of the IBMS. More details and application forms can be found on the IBMS website.
