Micro-Credentials in Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Many clinicians have recognised the significant potential of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS). It is a powerful tool not only for diagnosis and patient management, but also for deepening clinical understanding and adding a new dimension to everyday practice.
As a result, many clinicians wish to develop their PoCUS knowledge and skills beyond what is typically available through specialty-based certification pathways such as FAMUS, FUSIC, and Core Ultrasound.
However, traditional academic routes—such as a PgCert, PgDip, or MSc—often require a level of time and financial commitment that is not realistic for those working full time.
In response, universities are increasingly offering shorter, flexible courses designed to fit around clinical work. This approach has led to the development of micro-credentials.
In partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University, we have developed a suite of PoCUS micro-credentials, launching the first in March 2023. We also offer PgCert in PoCUS programme, which consists of six micro-credentials. You can find out more about the PgCert in Point-of-Care Ultrasound here.
21 years of teaching EM and PoCUS courses
19 000 clinicians have taken our courses
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Ultrasound Micro-Credentials
A micro-credential is a short, focused course of study with an assessment that awards academic credit. Credits are allocated through the UK Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS), which allows university credits to be earned and accumulated nationally.
Each of our micro-credentials is worth 10 credits, with one credit representing the notional equivalent of 10 hours of study. Each micro-credential costs £600.
Studying for a micro-credential is an effective way to consolidate knowledge and develop skills in a specific clinical area, such as cardiac or abdominal ultrasound. It helps clinicians gain confidence in understanding the role of ultrasound in point-of-care decision-making, as well as in acquiring and interpreting images.
Our micro-credentials can also be combined to form a PgCert in PoCUS programme, which consists of six micro-credentials. You can find out more about the PgCert in Point-of-Care Ultrasound here.
Programme Structure
You can enrol on up to two micro-credentials per term (not all of them are available every 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: Current employment in an appropriate role within the NHS or a UK-based private healthcare provider, with evidence of basic ultrasound experience.
Please note: We currently do not accept applications from international students. Applicants must have a valid work visa and the right to work in the UK.
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 practical module, and 15 hours for each subsequent module. This doesn’t apply to the theory modules which are run fully online.
- 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.
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 before your assessment day 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 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.
What doctors say about our PgCert and micro-credentials programme
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