The IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice Distance Learning in Point of Care Testing (POCT) will support you in developing your experience and knowledge of managing POCT services, including an expanding workload and a workforce of largely non-laboratory staff.
Delivered in partnership with the Ulster University as an online course topics covered include:
- Specific challenges related to POCT compliance with accreditation standards and strategies to overcome them.
- POCT requests, handling of results, training and competence assessments of individuals performing POCT.
- Factors to consider when implementing connectivity between POCT instruments and the electronic medical record.
Criteria
To apply for the POCT course you must be an IBMS member at Licentiate, Member or Fellow grade and, if you are a UK resident, be HCPC registered as a biomedical scientist.
Your IBMS membership must be maintained for the duration of this qualification.
Fees
£710 for the 2023 course.
Payment methods
Payment must be made via either of the following methods:
- Card Payment - You will be contacted for your card payment details once we have received the completed application form
- Purchase Order - you must provide a copy of the Purchase Order itself rather than just the PO number and this should accompany the completed application form
Application
To apply, please submit your completed Certificate of Expert Practice in Point of Care Testing application form and payment or purchase order to examinations@ibms.org
Please note
On the application form, you are requested to briefly describe why you are applying to undertake the qualification. Your application will not be accepted or rejected based on what is stated, this information is being requested to enable us to understand your level of experience and motivation for applying.
Deferrals, withdrawals and mitigating circumstances
If you wish to defer, withdraw or highlight any mitigating circumstances, please contact examinations@ibms.org.
After a common introductory module the course comprises six modules:
- Introduction to POCT
- Quality and Accreditation in POCT
- Principles of Measurement - Analytical Considerations
- Development of a Service Need
- Connectivity and Data Management in POCT
- Training in POCT
More information on the modules can be found in the course information booklet.
Course content and discussion forums are accessed through the Ulster University website.
Assessment
The course is assessed through an online examination and two assessments:
- The online examination lasts 90 minutes with 42 questions in total composed of 36 multiple-choice and six short answer questions covering all course modules.
- Your first assessment piece should critically capture how the discussion forums have assisted your learning during the course.
- As a result of taking this course, your second assessment piece should be a reflection of what you will change in your own practice and the steps you would take to do so.
You will be awarded an IBMS Certificate of Practice in Point of Care Testing on successful completion of the course.
Each module will last two weeks apart from the module in which Easter falls, which will last three weeks. As places are limited to a maximum of 60 candidates, it may be necessary to close the window for applications early if the number applying reaches that maximum before the planned application closing date.
Week commencing 15th August 2022 - Applications open for 2023
Friday 9th December 2022 - Application closing date
First week in January 2023 - Login details available
Friday 6th January 2023 - Introductory module
Friday 20th January 2023 - Module 1
Friday 3rd February 2023 - Module 2
Friday 17th February 2023 - Module 3
Friday 3rd March 2023 - One week break
Thursday 9th March 2023 - Submission of first assessment
Friday 10th March 2023 - Module 4
Friday 24th March 2023 - Module 5
Friday 7th April 2023 (Good Friday) - Module 6
Thursday 27th April 2023 - Course finishes
Thursday 11th May 2023 - Examination
Monday 5th June 2023 - Examination results
Thursday 15th June 2023 - Examination re-sits
Friday 16th June 2023 - Submission of second assessment
Tuesday 11th July 2023 - Results
Week commencing 17th July 2023 - Certificates posted