The Point of Care Applications of Ultrasound for Skin Lumps micro-credential (PgCert module), delivered in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University, is designed for clinicians who assess and manage skin and soft tissue lumps in everyday practice.

This module explores the clinical value of PoCUS in evaluating soft tissue pathology, helping you distinguish benign from concerning findings and make informed decisions about management, referral, and further imaging. You’ll develop a structured approach to using ultrasound safely and effectively.

Through focused teaching and practical skill development, you’ll build confidence in image acquisition, optimisation, and interpretation for superficial structures. The module emphasises recognition of normal and abnormal appearances, common benign lesions such as lipomas and cysts, and key red flags for malignancy.

This micro-credential can be taken as a standalone course or as part of our PgCert in PoCUS programme. Click here to learn more about the other micro-credentials we offer.

Next Dates: 22nd January – 26th March 2026

Fee: £600

What is a micro-credential?

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 to allow credits to be earned and accumulated. For example, a typical postgraduate diploma is 120 credits, a typical PgCert is 60 credits. Each of our micro-credentials earns 10 credits, with each credit representing the notional equivalent of 10 hours of study.

What is the commitment?

Each micro-credential requires 100 hours of notional study, most of which will be self-directed learning. However, for micro-credentials with a practical component, you must also complete a minimum of 21 hours of in-person, hands-on training at our London-based training centre if this is your first micro-credential with us, or 15 hours if you have already attended one of our other micro-credentials. You can enrol on up to two micro-credentials per term.

What are the entry requirements?

• 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: Current employment in an appropriate role within the NHS or a UK-based private healthcare provider, with evidence of basic ultrasound experience.

What does the course cover?

• Medico-legal considerations – scope of practice, training standards, and documentation
• Indications for PoCUS in assessing skin lumps and soft tissue abnormalities
• Patient information, preparation, and consent for superficial ultrasound
• Relationship of PoCUS to other imaging modalities (e.g. MRI, CT)
• Image acquisition, optimisation, and probe selection for superficial structures
• Artefact recognition and image interpretation
• Recognition of common benign soft tissue lesions: Lipomas, sebaceous cysts, ganglion cysts
• Red flags for malignancy in soft tissue masses
• Identification and differentiation of soft tissue infections (e.g. abscess vs. cellulitis)
• Detection of subcutaneous collections and foreign bodies
• Procedural PoCUS applications:
  • Ultrasound-guided aspiration or incision
  • Foreign body localisation and removal
• Influence of PoCUS findings on further imaging, referral, or intervention

How is the course taught?

You will have access to video materials covering the theoretical content. Didactic teaching will be combined with practical face-to-face sessions, where you will use a range of ultrasound systems to develop scanning skills on normal volunteers. Additionally, simulators will be used to practise imaging and identifying various abnormalities.

You must complete the required number of in-person practical training hours for this module—21 hours if it’s your first, or 15 hours if you’ve previously completed another module—before your assessment day.

How will your skills of using Ultrasound for Skin Lumps be assessed?

The award of the micro-credential will require successful completion of both written and practical assessments. The knowledge content will be assessed through a multiple-choice examination. Practical skills will be assessed through obtaining optimal images on normal subjects and through obtaining optimal images of simulated pathology on simulators.

Schedule

The in-person training sessions will run from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Attendance on the first and last days (assessment day) is mandatory. Attendance on the second day is highly recommended to ensure you gain the foundational knowledge essential for further training. The remaining days are flexible. However, you must complete at least 21 hours of in-person training at our London-based centre for your first module, and 15 hours for each subsequent module, before the assessment day.

Spring Term 2026 Schedule:

22nd–23rd January 2026 – core training days (22nd January is mandatory if this is your first module or micro-credential)
5th–6th February 2026 – training days
26th–27th February 2026 – training days
12th–13th March 2026 – training days
26th March 2026 – assessment day (mandatory to attend)

An additional training day may be added if needed.

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